Closing the Gap - How To – playingtheodds

 CROSSROADS
Closing
the Gap
A World War 2 MiniCampaign detailing the
Battle of
Saint-Lambert-sur-Dives
CROSSROADS
Closing
the Gap
Campaign Module
By
Matthew Bona
Crossroads, Closing the Gap
Written by Matthew Bona 2015 http://playingtheodds.com.au This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution‐ShareAlike 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by‐sa/4.0/. Cover Photograph by Serge Bougie (2015). Internal Photographs of Miniatures by Serge Bougie and John Vint (2015). Campaign Idea by Matthew Bona and John Vint. Proofreading by Kylie Bertram, Luke Pullar and John Vint.
Extra Font: Kingthings Typewriter, http://www.kingthingsfonts.co.uk/ This document is intentionally laid out in a manner similar to the TooFatLardies (toofatlardies.co.ok) Pint Sized Campaign books in an effort to maintain a measure of consistency. There is no challenge made or intended to any of their (or anyone else’s) works or copyrights. Panzergruppe West funnel into one, of only two, bridges capable of supporting tanks and heavy vehicles. INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Crossroads, Closing the Gap: a campaign module for Chain of Command, a World War 2 wargame from TooFatLardies. This campaign is designed to use the Chain of Command campaign supplement ‘At the Sharp End’, whose rules will be used to progress the campaign. This campaign focusses on the actions of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division at the end of the Normandy Campaign. While this campaign is designed to use Chain of Command, it should be relatively easy to modify the scenarios and missions within to reflect the rules for any system. Suggestions are offered at the back of the campaign. After the Commonwealth forces’ eventual capture of their D‐Day objective, the city of Caen, the U.S. forces launched Operation Cobra. The aim was to break out of the beachhead and try and capture the rest of the peninsula. It is expected this campaign will last no more than nine games, after which there should be a conclusive result. At the same time the Canadian and British forces launched their own Operations in an attempt to tie up German reserves and buy the U.S. forces time to complete their objectives. Hopefully you will enjoy this campaign and its look into one of the formative actions that helped end the Normandy Campaign. With Operation Cobra succeeding so quickly, the German army found itself surrounded and on the back foot, soon after this became a tour and only one escape route remained: Falaise and its surrounding area. The 4th Canadian Armoured Division landed at Normandy in July 1944, establishing camp in southern Caen. From there they became integral in Operations ‘Totalize’ and ‘Tractable’, the push south to capture Falaise and secure the northern end of the ‘Falaise pocket’, and from there seal the gap at Chambois. Facing a staunch and determined enemy, the 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend commanded by Kurt Meyer, the way to Falaise was slow and hard fought. Finally, on the 16th of August, Falaise was captured and provided the launching point to seal off ‘the gap’ at Trun and Chambois. The race to Chambois and to close the Falaise Gap was on! Specifically this module will look at the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and the 29th Armoured Reconnaissance (South Alberta) Regiment, of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division in their attempt to capture and hold the town of Saint‐Lambert‐sur‐
Dives, blocking the escape routes of the fleeing German armies. The Canadian mixed group will need to capture and then defend Saint‐Lambert‐sur‐Dives as the remains of the fleeing German 7.Armee and 1
BACKGROUND
2
in position, they would use Cormelles as a jump off point to launch an attack on Verrières Ridge. Ultimately, the assault was a failure, but the Canadian forces remained in control of the captured towns. THE ROAD SOUTH
During the Normandy campaign the Canadians met stern opposition from some of the most well trained and provisioned troops, the elite German Panzer Divisions: 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend, 21st Panzer Division, 1st SS Panzer Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler and Panzer Lehr Division. Shortly after, Operation Spring was organised in another attempt to take Verrières Ridge and the towns on the southern slope. Primarily, this was designed as a holding attack: providing assistance to Operation Cobra and creating yet more pressure on German forces. Following the D‐Day landings on Juno Beach, the Canadians found they had penetrated deeper into France than forces at any of the other landing sites. They also encountered stronger resistance than any other beachhead, except Omaha Beach. Operation Cobra was executed so rapidly however, that by the 4th of August seven Divisions of Patton’s Third Army had swept into Brittany. By 8th of August, after the defeat of von Kluge’s forces in the German counterattack Operation Lüttich, Allied commanders realised the German position in Normandy was collapsing. This began a race east creating a huge envelopment of German forces in an attempt to cut off the enemy, who were now often in full flight, from escaping. The 4th Canadian Armoured Division landed at Normandy in July 1944, as a reinforcement for the Allied effort, in time to participate in Operation Tractable and Operation Totalize. The 14th of August saw the launch of these Operations, after German Forces started moving from the British and Canadian front westward to combat the principal effort of Operation Cobra. After linking up with British forces, they began the slow process of capturing their original D‐Day objective of Caen and the surrounding areas. Following fierce fighting against a determined and near fanatical enemy, and after suffering horrific numbers of casualties, slow progress could eventually be seen. Almost one month after the initial planned date, the joint Canadian and British forces captured the city of Caen in early July. After the D‐Day beachheads were established and the drive inland was beginning, Operation Cobra was devised. The plan was for U.S. forces to push through the enemy around St Lô, and break free from bocage country, outflanking the German army and capturing the peninsula. This was supported by the British and Canadians through Operations Goodwood, Atlantic, Spring and Bluecoat. The Operations were conducted by Canadian and Polish forces with the support of one brigade of British tanks. They were ordered to head south along the D13 highway to Falaise, in conjunction with American movements northward to Chambois. The intention was to trap and destroy the entirety of the German Seventh and Fifth Panzer Armies, and finally bring an end to the Normandy campaign. In mid‐July Canadian forces launched Operation Atlantic, as part of Operation Goodwood, and cleared southern Caen before pushing east of the Orne River. The British and Canadian Forces were to draw the German strength to themselves, helping reduce resistance for the US Forces conducting Operation Cobra. The major phase of what was to later be called the Battle of Falaise Pocket, to complete the envelopment of the German forces, lasted from the 16th to the 22nd of August 1944. During that time American forces began to swing northward toward Argentan while Canadian, Polish and British forces began to manoeuvre south in a pincer movement to close the trap. The plan for Operation Atlantic was a two pronged approach: the 2nd and 3rd Canadian Infantry Divisions would strike out and capture Vaucelles, Colombelles and the opposite bank of the Orne River. Leading the attack South‐East from Caen, 2nd Division would cross the Orne River and move to capture Vaucelles. Then, 3rd Division would proceed to cross the Orne River near Colombelles and capture the town, moving South from there to also capture Cormelles. Once both Divisions were 3
occupation of the town of Cintheaux. This action allowed them to hold up the advance of the Canadian and Polish Armoured formations. OPERATION TOTALIZE
Operation Totalize was an Allied offensive launched by the First Canadian Army, from the evening of 7th of August to 13th of August. The aim of the Operation was to break through German defences south of Caen and push through to capture the high ground north of Falaise, 24 kilometres out from the city. The goal was to bring on the collapse of the entire German front, and cut off the retreat of German forces fighting American and British armies further west. In one unfortunate event, a column from the 4th Canadian Armoured Division, known as Worthington Force, was ordered to take Hill 195 just to the west of the road midway between Cintheaux and Falaise. This movement was designed to threaten and cause disarray in the German lines. After becoming disorientated, Worthington Force ended up about 7 kilometres east of Hill 195, at Hill 140 (halfway between Estrées‐la‐Campagne and Mazières), and was subject to repeated German counter attacks. Worthington Force held their ground but suffered heavy losses and by 1700 on the 9th of August the remains of the Force had either been captured or forced to withdraw. Under the cover of a heavy bombardment from RAF Bomber Command, the Allies began their advance. Initial going was slow as the dust from the bombardments caused confusion, and the bomb craters caused vehicles to become bogged. By dawn though the offensive had rapidly overrun the defenders in the villages of Cramesnil and Saint‐
Aignan de Cramesnil, and by noon on 8th of August, the entire Verrières Ridge had been captured. The Canadians were initially unable to be rescued due to being so far off course, but eventually the 4th Canadian Armoured Division recaptured Hill 195 in a night attack on 10th of August. Shortly after midday the German 12th SS Panzer Division counter attacked, resulting in the 4
The time able to be gained by the Germans, however, allowed them to withdraw and reform a defensive line on the Laison River and by 11th of August the Allied offensive had been halted. OPERATION TRACTABLE
After Operation Cobra was initiated, an immediate counter‐attack by German forces was ordered. This was Operation Lüttich, affected by Günther von Kluge and Army Group B. Unfortunately for Operation Lüttich, it was doomed to fail as the Allied forces were able to intercept German intelligence and radio reports (with the aid of Ultra), and thus prepare their troops in advance. This failed Operation allowed the Allies to further surround Army Group B making Falaise even more valuable as its capture, through Operation Totalize, would virtually cut them off completely. Unfortunately the advance of Operation Totalize stalled, before reaching Falaise, at Hill 195. This allowed an opening for the forces of German Army Group B to escape. It was noted after his capture that Kurt Meyer, commander of 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend, was unforgiving in his evaluation of Operation Totalize: “British and Canadian planning was absolutely without risk; neither army employed its armoured strength for (the job for) which it was created. In both armies, the tank was used, more or less, as an infantry support weapon. Armoured warfare is a matter of using given opportunities on the battlefield, therefore the Div Comd belongs on the leading combat gp, to see for himself, to save precious time, and to make lightning decisions from his moving tank. He, and no one else must be the driving force of his div.... Thus Operation Tractable was devised. Its goal was to capture the strategically important French town of Falaise, and following that, the smaller towns of Trun and Chambois. This would extend the Allied front line and help close the ‘gap’ at Falaise, trapping the remaining German forces The Brit and Cdn forces executed the ops in an inflexible, time wasting, method. Never once did "Speed" as the most powerful weapon of Armd Warfare, appear“ Operation Tractable would constitute an advance from the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division and 4th Canadian Armoured Division, with the 2nd Armoured Brigade in support. The Polish 1st Armoured Division were to lend support in the capture of Trun, after Falaise was secured. Learning from the experiences of Operation Totalize, this attack was launched in daylight, with an initial bombing raid, and a large smoke screen laid down by Canadian Artillery. The primary opposition facing the Canadians was the 12th SS Panzer Division who caught a lucky break, and in a moment of opportunity, captured a Canadian Officer who got lost while driving between two divisional headquarters. In a stroke of good fortune for the Germans, the officer was carrying a copy of the attack orders. This allowed them to place a bulk of their force along the Allies expected lines of approach, amounting to some 500 Grenadiers, 15 tanks and twelve 8.8cm PaK 43 anti‐tank guns, and certainly levelled the field. At 1200 on the 14th of August the Operation got off to a slow start, resistance was strong and the fighting fierce. The 4th Canadian Armoured Division and 1st Polish Armoured Division managed 5
to force a crossing of the Laison River, under constant counterattack from the German 102nd SS Heavy Panzer Battalion, and captured the town of Potigny by late afternoon. tanks and soft skinned vehicles moving south at high speed. The South Alberta Regiment, with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, were tasked to proceed to Saint‐Lambert‐sur‐Dives on the way to Chambois, their final destination. Taking Chambois would cut off the last remaining gap out of which the Germans could escape from Falasie. On the 15th of August both armoured divisions pushed south to Falaise, with the 4th Armoured Division capturing Soulangy on the way. They encountered strong German resistance outside of the town preventing a quick breakthrough to Trun. Finally on the 16th of August, the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division pushed into Falaise, unexpectedly encountering weak resistance from scattered pockets of German infantry and Waffen‐SS units. The first major objective of Operation Tractable had been accomplished. Here the Allied forces were reorganised, and the focus now turned to finalising the plans which would close the ‘gap’. TRUN TO CHAMBOIS, VIA ST.
LAMBERT
Between the 16th and 19th of August the next stage of Operation Tractable began, with advances planned for the Canadian and Polish forces to secure Trun and Chambois, which would see the gap closed. The 17th of August saw ‘B’ Squadron (Sqn) of the South Alberta Regiment (SAR) join the Algonquin Regiment in a successful attack on Louvres. Two enemy tank destroyers and a Tiger tank were also located, which were driven off by Canadian artillery. SAR ‘A’ Sqn entered the town of Damblainville, with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and actively began clearing the town. ‘C’ Sqn followed them up and engaged in clearing out reported sniper positions. ‘C’ Sqn also spotted withdrawing enemy soft skin vehicles, tanks and mortars south of their position and proceed to open fire with artillery assistance. It was mid‐afternoon on the 18th of August that a composite group made its way to Saint‐Lambert‐
sur‐Dive. Consisting of fifty five troops from ‘B’ Company of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, under command of Major Ivan Martin, along with the 15 tanks of ‘C’ Squadron of the South Alberta Regiment. The group, under overall command of Major David Vivian Currie of the SAR, was tasked with closing the road running through St. Lambert which had become the main German escape route between Trun and Chambois. The 4th Canadian Armoured Division liberated Trun itself on the 18th August, and by then the Polish 1st Armoured Division had established itself directly north of Chambois. SAR ‘B' Sqn moved off with the Algonquin's to launch an attack on Le Marais La Chapelle, where they found very light resistance. Further evidence of enemy withdrawal was reported by SAR ‘A’ Sqn which spotted enemy The initial attempt was slowed by friendly fire from tanks of the Polish Armoured Brigade and RAF fighters, and met with a well‐armed and dug in enemy showing determined resistance. German 8.8‐centimetre guns knocked out two Canadian 6
mixed group re‐entered the village shortly after dawn. The straggle of stone houses lining both sides of the road was not an inviting position for the Shermans of the SAR. After the lead tank was hit the job of clearing out the town was turned over to the men of the Argyll’s, which they performed well and systematically. tanks on approach, and at dusk Major Currie entered the place alone on foot. He proceeded to reconnoitre the enemy defences and, in the face of heavy mortar‐fire, rescued the crews of the disabled tanks. The battle group was then ordered to withdraw and wait for morning. Under cover of darkness, at around midnight, Lieutenant‐Colonel Wotherspoon ordered the remainder of the SAR, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Sqn and Regimental HQ (RHQ), to position themselves on Hill 117 directly north of St. Lambert in readiness for the attack tomorrow. The end of the day saw St. Lambert secured with the Canadian’s consolidating in the centre of the town, having insufficient troops to occupy it entirely. The lull in fighting also brought the arrival of Forward Observation Officers (FOO), reporting that both field and medium artillery were in range. This news was especially welcomed. Additionally, ‘B’ Company of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, along with a company from the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, were brought up to reinforce the Canadian position after a day of vicious, close range fighting. At first light on the 19th of August SAR ‘C’ Sqn and ‘B’ Company Argyll's moved on St. Lambert. SAR ‘A’ Sqn moved into position on their right, to cover the road north, with ‘B’ Sqn taking up position to cover the attack. RHQ took up a defensive position behind ‘B’ Sqn. In those early hours of the assault Major Currie’s battlegroup again faced fierce opposition from enemy armour, artillery and infantry. Currie’s In one particularly noteworthy encounter, Lieutenant Gil Armour led a team on an assault of a Panther tank, which had drawn up beside a house 7
shoot up all visible targets, with artillery also being called to assist. This caught the Germans completely by surprise, although not everything was one sided as their 8.8cm guns forced a readjustment of positions. on the other side of the main crossroads. Clearing the intervening houses, Lt. Armour climbed the tank readying a grenade, but as he opened the hatch a German officer armed with an automatic pistol engaged with him. A scuffle ensued in which the German officer was wounded. By this time the tank had closed the hatch, started the engine and backed up. The Panther stopped to get a clear view of the wounded German officer, when the small turret left of the gun opened and a head emerged. Lt. Armour and his team renewed the assault, this time being able to drop the grenade into the open hatch. With the motor still running, the tank further backed up until it came to rest against a building. The team kept watch on the tank until a PIAT was brought up, and able to finish it off. It was the afternoon of the 19th that the first significant numbers of captured or surrendered German troops came in to RHQ from St. Lambert. This would become problematic, as there were too few men available to correctly handle them. By nightfall it was realised that RHQ would have to hold the front of about 1000 yards. Personnel were in defensive positions manning Browning and Bren Machineguns, with the M10’s giving invaluable help with their .50 Calibre guns. The line was indeed stretched thin. During the day, as the attack continued, ‘B’ Sqn pushed forward to point 124, in the left rear. This left RHQ in solely in possession of Hill 117, with support from the attached M10 Self‐Propelled (SP) troop. On the morning of the 20th of August, German forces began launching a series of heavy counterattacks trying to drive a wedge between the northern and southern Allied positions in order to keep the way open, and give their retreating forces an escape route. At dusk the Germans made a final effort, but the attacking force was routed before it could even be deployed. The Canadians then launched an attack of their own and completed the capture of St. Lambert. Whilst the close ranged fighting inside St. Lambert was going on, the rest of the SAR and Argyll’s were also kept busy. The ridge to the south was kept under observation, and would later be known as the Falaise Ridge At 1100 heavy convoy movement was spotted on Falaise Ridge and SAR tanks immediately began to 8
Finally by the 21st of August, most of the heavy fighting was over and the town cleared of the enemy. The roads leading into Saint‐Lambert‐sur‐
Dives were jammed with destroyed vehicles and abandoned equipment. people, and sometimes exceeding 600), it now had a wealth of Great War veterans of all ranks. When the Regiment was called out to serve in the Second World War, details were formed as a Battalion, designated and placed on active service, as The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise’s)(Machine Gun), CASF (Details), on the 1st of September 1939. Over the 36 hours of the engagement, the composite group captured and held the town, engaged in brutal fighting, managing to hold off almost continuous attacks by German forces. All attempts from the Germans to push the Canadians out of town and break out across the Dives River, and North‐East through St. Lambert, were defeated and driven back. During this time Major Currie would lose all of his officers and was left commanding groups of men directly on the front line. By the time the fighting had stopped, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Companies of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders had been reduced to 70 men between them. In Saint‐Lambert however, the Germans forces had taken a heavier toll, 300 men killed, 500 wounded and 2100 taken prisoner. Seven tanks, twelve 8.8cm guns and 40 other vehicles had all been destroyed. Spending the early years of the war on local protection duties and a number of other similar details, the Battalion underwent a number of designation changes until it embarked for Great Britain on the 21st of July 1943 and landing as part of the 10th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Armoured Division, as The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise’s), CASF, in France on the the 26th of July 1944. Overall the Argyll’s were a successful Battalion, thought of as formidable, and not only were they constantly successful but they also had the lowest losses of the 10th Brigade. This was a significant victory for the Canadian forces, the cost was great, but they had completed their mission. They had held the line and kept the ‘gap’ closed, helping in no small way to bring about the end of the Normandy Campaign. ARGYLL
AND
HIGHLANDERS
SUTHERLAND
Always at the front of the Canadian advance were the men of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regiment. Formed in 1902 by members of the Highland‐Canadian community, as the 91st Regiment Canadian Highlanders, they were particularly lively and well connected. 29th ARMOURED RECONNAISSANCE
(SOUTH ALBERTA) REGIMENT
During the Great War, the regiment was primarily used as a training unit until attrition required its members to be used as reinforcements. This saw members of the regiment split up between the 19th Battalion and the 173rd Highlanders Battalion, although it was the former that the 91st had the most association with. Accompanying the men of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders were the tanks of the 29th Armoured Reconnaissance (South Alberta) Regiment, the SAR. The South Alberta Regiment was initially created in 1924 as a Canadian Infantry Regiment. They were mobilised in 1940 as part of the 4th Canadian Infantry Division and when demand for a second Canadian Armoured Division came, the division During the Inter‐war years the Regiment, like many others, endured general military reorganisations. The Regiment was not only large (rarely below 400 9
the fighting it was left to Major Currie to command alone, often personally ensuring his dug in troops knew their targets while rallying his dwindling number of men and making sure they all knew the importance of their roles. was reorganised into an armoured formation, with the Regiment receiving Ram tanks in 1942. By mid‐June 1944 the SAR were deployed to northern France and had replaced their Ram tanks with Stuart and Sherman tanks, the Regiment landed in Normandy on the 24th of July 1944 with its parent Division. Unlike the two reconnaissance regiments in 2nd and 3rd Canadian Infantry Divisions, the South Alberta's were expected to have to fight to obtain their information. As the Divisional armoured reconnaissance unit it was frequently expected to provide support to the division's infantry, as well as acting as a reconnaissance unit seeking information on the enemy and terrain for the divisional commander. In the end the determination of Major Currie and his men, throughout three days and nights of fierce fighting, denied the enemy a route by which they might escape and helped affect the closing of the Falaise Gap. For his efforts Major Currie was awarded the Victoria Cross, the only one awarded to a Canadian during the Normandy Campaign and the only one ever awarded to a member of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. His citation tells that there can be no doubt that the success of this force's task on and stand against the enemy at ST. LAMBERT SUR DIVES can only be attributed to this officer's coolness, inspired leadership and skilful use of the limited weapons at his disposal. The only Canadian soldier to be awarded the Victoria Cross for the Normandy campaign came from the South Alberta Regiment, Major David Vivian Currie, for his actions at Saint‐Lambert‐Sur‐
Dives Lieutenant‐Colonel Wotherspoon once said of Major Currie that he wasn’t a brilliant tactician, but he was very stubborn. If he was given an order to do something that was within his capabilities, he would do it – period. This stubbornness saw Currie capture St. Lambert, defend it and see his mission out successfully to the end. MAJOR DAVID VIVIAN CURRIE
Major David Currie of the 29th Canadian Armoured Reconnaissance (South Alberta) Regiment was in command of the composite group, consisting of ‘B’ and later ‘C’ companies from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and ‘C’ Squadron of the South Alberta Regiment, which was tasked to capture Saint‐Lambert‐sur‐Dives. This force consisted of 175 men, of all ranks, along with the 15 tanks of the South Alberta’s and self‐propelled anti‐tank guns of the Divisional Anti‐Tank regiment. THE GERMAN DEFENDERS
Over the 36 hours of the battle, as successive waves of German counter‐attacks were made, it was Major Currie’s bravery and cool head that carried the day. After losing all of his officers during On the other side of events, the German armies in Normandy quickly found themselves surrounded by the actions of Operation Cobra. With the U.S. forces to their western and southern flanks, and 10
In brief stroke of good luck, the weather turned bad, providing cover to the escaping Germans and a moment of respite from the relentless Allied air attack. In a hellish scene, in amongst continuous artillery bombardment and enemy fire, convoys moved through what remained of the opening. From the belfry of the church at St. Lambert the commander of the 2nd Panzerdivision, General von Lüttwitz, and the commander of the 47th Armoured Corps, General Straube, directed traffic across the bridge and through the town. the British and Canadian forces rolling down from the north, the German forces attempted to escape the encirclement through the Falaise area. As the Allies kept gaining ground, the route of escape slowly grew smaller. In the end, the German army was funnelled through the small length of land between Trun and Chambios, of which Saint‐Lambert‐sur‐Dives was almost directly in the middle of. On the 19th of August Oberst‐Gruppenführer Paul Hausser, commander of 7.Armee, ordered the breakout from the encirclement for the night of the 19th/ 20th of August. This was to be done in conjunction with II. SS‐Panzerkorps, who were attacking from outside the encirclement, west of Trun. Taking command of all troops inside the encirclement, the orders for the breakout were as follows: •
•
•
•
3. Fallschirmjägerdivision was to move from its assembly area north of Montabard, at 22.30 hours. It was to break through the encircling ring at St. Lambert, without firing if possible. The going was slow, the vehicles backed up in jams and enemy artillery fire choked the roads with wrecked vehicles and corpses. A charnel stench overlay everything. Those who made it through tried to head south to Chambois, but the roads were unusable, filled with twisted wrecks. 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend was to hold its northern securing line, then follow 3. Fallschirmjägerdivision after the breakthrough had been achieved. As they tried to break out and find other escape lanes, the weather lifted. These narrow lanes now became death traps, as Allied aircraft resumed their attacks. Rockets would be fired into the lead tanks, trapping entire columns, and as the men turned to run they would in turn be cut down by fire. 1st SS Panzer Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler, and 116. Panzerdivision were to move out after midnight and breakthrough at Chambois. The tanks of 12th SS Panzerdivision were to go with them. In the end, there was nowhere to go. The Allies held out, closing the gap for good, trapping the remains of the German forces, and forcing their surrender. XXXXVII. Panzerkorps, with 10. SS‐
Panzerdivision and 2. Panzerdivision (Heer), and LXXIV. A.K. with 277., 276. and 326 Infantrydivision were to follow securing the rear and flanks. The 3. Fallschirmjägerdivision was unable to break the encirclement undetected and engaged the 4th Canadian Armoured Division at St. Lambert, attempting to force the passage and bridge open, allowing as much of 7. Armee as possible to escape. For the next 24 hours they would engage in ferocious fighting with the Argyll’s and SAR, of the 4th CAD, trying to keep the way open. 11
12
Map of the Falaise area, showing Falaise, Trun, Chambois and Saint‐Lambert‐
sur‐Dives FALAISE AREA MAP (Scale 1:25,000) CAMPAIGN
RULES 13
The German forces trying to break through came on in waves. First, and most prominent in holding the ground in Saint‐Lambert were 3. Fallschirmjägerdivision. Tasked with finding a way through St. Lambert and then holding that opening, they fought fiercely over two days, allowing as many vehicles and troops through as possible. Following them were men from 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend, XXXXVII. Panzerkorps, 10. SS‐Panzerdivision, 2. Panzerdivision (Heer), and LXXIV. A.K. CLOSING THE GAP
The Closing of the Falaise Gap (or Falaise Pocket as it may otherwise be known) spans numerous locations and involves many forces, represented from many nations, on both sides of the war. From the British, American, Canadian, French and Polish forces attempting to close the escape routes, to the German army groups trying to flee such an encirclement, the race was on. For this campaign we are focusing on the battle for Saint‐Lambert‐sur‐Dives. St. Lambert contained only one of two bridges capable of supporting armour and heavy equipment; as such it was a key position for both the Allies and the Germans. If the Allies could cut off the escape path at St. Lambert, German tanks and heavy equipment would not be able to escape the encirclement and would need to be abandoned. The Fallschirmjägers were under gunned, having no anti‐tank weaponry other than what was able to be spared by the other fleeing units. The Allies attacked St. Lambert using elements of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division, whose job it was to secure the area between Trun and Chambois. The mixed group, consisting of 15 tanks of ‘C’ Squadron from the South Alberta Regiment and 55 men from ‘B’ Company of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, were placed under the command of Major David Currie. They were ordered to attack and then hold St. Lambert, and after clearing the town on the 19th of August came under constant and fierce attack from the retreating Germans for 36 hours. 14
This campaign has been designed to be played using Chain of Command, the World War 2 game from TooFatLardies, and their campaign supplement ‘At the Sharp End’, which contains all the pertinent rules mentioned in this section. This campaign can also be used with other game systems, with minor modifications. the Germans, becoming encircled is all but inevitable. They are giving their lives holding a passage open to let as many men and equipment as possible to escape. Whilst in reality, the entire area between Trun and Chambois was used to make good any escape, the town of St. Lambert is one of two points where tanks and heavy equipment could cross. This makes it ideal as the focus point for the campaign. The Canadians launched their attack of St. Lambert from the North East position at Hill 117. Pushing hard they managed to secure half of the village initially, and then completely overran the German defences. After realising they had no explosives to blow the bridge over the Dives, they moved back into the centre of town. This is represented by Campaign Stage 1, which will help set the tone for the rest of the campaign by establishing both the number of remaining troops for the Canadians, and the starting Campaign Morale for the Germans. Crossroads: Closing the Gap is a variant of the standard Map Campaign. After the initial Canadian push to Saint‐Lambert‐sur‐Dives and the German counter‐attack, there are three map locations able to be selected by the attacking force, each having an overall effect on the campaign. Below is the master campaign map, taken from a 1:25,000 General Staff map, in April 1944. All the potential battlefields for the campaign have been marked out. This map, along with photographic references and modern day images and maps, help piece together the tabletop layouts for each location. From that point German Fallschirmjägers attacked St. Lambert from the East forcing the way to remain open. These paratroopers were severely under gunned, lacking their own anti‐tank weapons, and needed to rely on the Tanks and AT capabilities of the escaping Panzer and Grenadier companies. This will form Campaign Stage 2, which As the map shows, the primary locations are in the town of Saint‐Lambert‐sur‐Dives itself, the location of particularly brutal fighting. Whilst it may not have accounted for a large area, the stakes were extremely high for both sides. The Allied campaign objectives are to block the gap and cause such a blow to German morale that they surrender. As for 15
confusion and ferocity seen during this fighting, with counter‐attacks, flank attacks and points of critical high ground being fought over. allows the attacker to determine where to make their point of attack. STAGE 1 Mission
Name Scenario
1 The Road to St. Lambert 2 2 Entering the Town 4 3 Panthers on the Prowl 3 4 Bridge of the River Dives 6 STAGE 2 Mission
Name Scenario
5 The Crossroads 3 6 The Belfry 3 7 Outflanking 5 SETTING UP THE CAMPAIGN
Being fought in two stages, the initial push of the Canadians to secure St. Lambert needs to be quick and without too much loss. The Canadians will be represented by a platoon from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders ‘B’ Company, with support coming from the tanks of the South Alberta Regiment ‘C’ Squadron. Results of the attacks will go towards the overall German Campaign Morale, and affect the support options available. THE CAMPAIGN MISSIONS
Both sides of the initial engagement are well provisioned, having tanks and anti‐tank capabilities. The Canadians will need to be careful, however, as the German defenders have had time to establish defences around St. Lambert. The master map shows the four lead up missions covering the Canadian assault of St. Lambert, which involve the usual patrolling and probing, ending with an attack on the bridge over the River dives. The three follow up locations of battles taking place in St. Lambert show more of the The Canadians cannot expect to reinforce their platoon, so casualties need to be kept to a minimum at all times. Additionally, the South Alberta’s had 15 tanks available to reinforce all positions; as such no more than 15 tanks can be used by them over the course of the campaign. Make a note each time a tank is lost or destroyed. This total pool of 15 tanks will be reduced by this amount, slowly reducing the amount of armour available as a support option as the campaign goes on. The benefit the Canadians have here, however, is a better organisation and a stronger start. The more 16
damage and blow to morale the Canadians can deal here, the more effect it will have on the German’s Morale in Stage 2. INITIATIVE
The Canadians will have the initiative for all four initial games. The German forces are handled slightly different. The initial four games will see a Grenadier platoon attempting to hold off the Canadian advance, reducing their strength as much as possible. These games will see regular force tracking and outlook for the troops. There will be no HQ outlook as higher level command has been scattered. After the second stage starts, with the German counter‐attack, the Germans will begin with the Initiative. From there, Initiative will be determined as usual, via the rules for Initiative in ‘At the Sharp End’. Finally, different locations may provide alternative methods for the Canadians to reduce the German Campaign Morale. CONSOLIDATING AND
STRENGTHENING DEFENCES
Once the German counter‐attack begins in Stage 2, things become much harder. Becoming slowly whittled down by a seemingly unending procession of the enemy, the Canadians must find a way to stand their ground and keep their men alive so as to throw back the tide Neither side may consolidate or strengthen their defences, as there is simply not enough time or leeway given by the enemy. Stage 2 will see the German player fielding a Fallschirmjäger platoon. This will be a late war, regular platoon, not the elite Early War version. The Fallschirmjäger’s are under gunned, and will have no infantry anti‐tank devices available to them other than those able to be taken from the support lists. CASUALTIES, REPLACEMENTS,
AND REINFORCEMENTS
For the Canadian forces, casualties are treated as per ‘At the Sharp End’. The Canadian player will need to track this for the duration of the campaign. The tanks of the S.A.R. are to be tracked separately, with any being knocked out remaining unavailable for the duration of the campaign. In addition, being under constant enemy artillery barrage and air attack the German troops are often scattered and lacking a cohesive platoon, sometimes troops may not be able to make it to the battlefield. Coming to their aid, however, are the men and vehicles of the escaping armies. Some of these may be requisitioned to help bolster the holes in the German forces. So while the Fallschirmjägers will also never be able to expect replacements, they may use support options to fill in the gaps in their defensive lines. The German player is to track casualties for the Grenadier platoon in the first four missions, and then track the fresh Fallschirmjäger platoon used for the second stage missions. The Fallschirmjäger platoon may also suffer from dispersed troops, and can be bolstered by units from the escaping German armies. Both sides will be limited in the number of selections that can be made for support options. In the second stage of the campaign, there will be three locations available to battle over inside St. Lambert itself. The attacking force can decide at which location to attack. Each location will provide benefits and hindrances due to terrain or mission effects. The one key condition, however, is that no location may be attacked twice in a row. A benefit can also be gained by being victorious in all three locations, one after the other. To reflect the assistance from ‘C’ company of the Argyll’s, the Canadian platoon will be allowed one set of Replacements at the end of Campaign Stage 1. These will be sparse, and use a modified equation from p20 of ‘At the Sharp End’ [(Dead + C.O.’s Rating)/4] + 1d6 There are no Reinforcements for either side in this battle. 17
Support options have been tailored for this campaign. WILDCARDS
There are no wild card options for this campaign. On the next page you will find the overall Campaign Briefings for both sides. These can be cut out and handed to players and presents the overall situation as the Platoon Leaders would know. ARMY LISTS AND BRIEFINGS
The Canadian list uses the standard organisational structure, being based on the British Infantry Platoon list. Support options will be specific for this campaign, based on the information we have surrounding the battle. Campaign Stage 1 will see the German forces use a standard Late War Grenadier list for the first four missions. The second stage counter‐attack missions will use a Late War Fallschirmjäger platoon, of ‘Regular’ Rating, with slight modifications to reflect the lack of anti‐tank weapons. These lists are based on what we know of the situation at the time, coming from war diaries, pictures and research texts. 18
CANADIAN CAMPAIGN BRIEFING
GERMAN CAMPAIGN BRIEFING
“The net cast by the Allies is closing and the German forces are quickly becoming trapped. The British and Canadian forces are sealing off the German escape from the north while the Americans envelop them from the south. The Germans in Normandy are on the back foot, a complete route is at hand and they are looking to escape through the only route they have left. “The German front in Normandy has collapsed. The last major counter‐attack, Operation Lüttich, was a disaster and now our troops have been forced back and encircled. With Allied air superiority even movement is difficult, the attacks are relentless. Saint‐Lambert‐sur‐Dives provides one of the only bridges capable of supporting the weight of our Panzers. The British and Canadians are approaching from the north trying to cut us off, while the 12th SS Panzerdivision perform a delaying action. Falaise was a hard won victory; long and grueling. After Trun, the 4th Canadian Armoured Division was tasked to link up with the Americans at Chambois. One of the towns along the way, Saint‐
Lambert‐sur‐Dives, has one of the only bridges in the area capable of holding the weight of a tank. We need to make sure the Germans can’t use it! We must hold the way open so our forces can regroup and reorganise at the Seine. Rumour has it that Oberst‐Gruppenführer Hausser has issued the withdrawal of all German units in the area. We should be expecting our men and vehicles to pass through any day now. We might even be able to expect some support from the men of 3. Fallschrimjagerdivision. The Canadian’s are close now and they will be determined to close the way, we must not let them.” A composite group from the South Alberta Regiment and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders has been tasked to capture St. Lambert and the bridge. We know the enemy is there, but not in what numbers. Thankfully we have air superiority and our artillery is being brought up as we speak. We are to go in, clear the town, then wait for our support to come.” As a platoon leader of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders ‘B’ Company, you are under the command of Major Currie of the South Alberta Regiment. You will need to probe St. Lambert and push the enemy out of the town, moving on to secure the bridge. You know the the bridge in St. Lambert will be of vital importance. In charge of the local defence of Saint‐Lambert‐sur‐
Dives with a Grenadier platoon you need to keep the bridge and passage across the Dives River, and out of St. Lambert, open. The longer you can hold, the more men and machines can escape, and the more can be regrouped at the Sienne River rendezvous. Your defences at St. Lambert are good, but you are outnumbered and running out of equipment. You have been involved in heavy fighting previously, but the progress the 4th Armoured has made keeps the men’s morale up. You are well provisioned, but with the line stretched thin you know you will not have any immediate replacements. The Canadian line has a lot of ground to cover. Once the evacuating forces begin crossing the bridge, Fallschrimjagers and Panzers from 12th SS, 1st SS and 116 Panzerdivision’s may be called upon to help. You might even be lucky enough to bolster your numbers with any who will stay and fight. Expect a ferocious battle. Your backs are against the wall, and failure is unforgivable. You can expect some support, but this will mainly be the Shermans of the S.A.R. Hopefully your artillery will be in position soon, as the weather is turning bad which means Allied aircraft may not be around for much longer. At the start of the campaign, roll normally for the outlook of your men. There are no modifiers: they are worried and look to you for guidance, but otherwise ready for combat. Make sure you steer them straight. There is no roll required for your Commander in this campaign as the command structure has all but disappeared. Your own outlook is rolled as normal, as per P 38 of At the Sharp End. At the start of the campaign, roll for your men’s outlook, your C.O.’s outlook and your own outlook as normal, from At the Sharp End. 19
The Fallschirmjägers were under gunned when it came to anti‐tank weapons, and will be limited in their personal AT weapon choices. CAMPAIGN DETAILS
The Crossroads campaign is fought in two stages. Specific details may be found in the Umpire Notes section if you prefer to play with an umpire. The German forces are also under heavy air and artillery bombardment. As a consequence they may suffer from ‘dispersed deployment’. STAGE 1: The Canadians are being led by stubborn and inspiring commanders, and will receive a bonus of +1 to the Force Morale roll for each mission in Stage 2. This represents the Canadian push and subsequent capture of St. Lambert. The first four missions are played in sequential order regardless of the actual outcome of the battle. The impetus of the Canadian advance is too much for the weary and battle worn defenders. Stage 2 incorporates 3 mission areas, Green 5 to 7, with associated rules and a German Campaign Force Morale tracker. To reflect the ongoing rolling battle, the side with the Initiative may select one of the three areas to fight the upcoming battle. The Mission Descriptions below will outline the map, mission to be played, and any further special rules. No area may be selected twice in a row, even if the Initiative changes sides. What the battle results will do is have a possible whittling down effect on the Canadian force (as well as affecting the CO and troop’s opinions), and it will help set the starting position for the German Campaign Morale Tracker in Stage 2. The result of each game will help represent the morale sapping struggle that was occurring, as defiant German troops tried desperately to hold the lines of retreat open. As a result not only will winning and losing matter, but the manner in which an encounter is won may have a follow on impact. Stage 1 will see the German player playing a Grenadier Platoon for the first four games. The Canadians have the Initiative for the first 4 games as the Germans pull back and affect a fighting retreat, holding the bridge open. STAGE 2: This stage represents the counter‐attack and last ditch effort by the German forces to keep the road through St. Lambert open. The German player will be playing a Fallschirmjäger platoon of the ‘Regular’ training level for Stage 2 and will have the Initiative for the first game. 20
CANADA
CANADIAN SUPPORT LIST LIST ONE INFANTRY PLATOON Sticky Bomb or similar This force is used throughout both stages of the campaign, and is rated as Regular. Medical Orderly COMMAND DICE: 5 Entrenchments for one Team Jeep or Car, no crew LIST TWO PLATOON HEADQUARTERS Lieutenant, Senior Leader armed with Sten Roadblock Platoon Sergeant, Senior Leader, armed with Sten PIAT Team, 2 men PIAT Team, 2 men Pre‐Game Barrage 2” mortar Team, 2 men 2” mortar Team, 2 men LIST THREE Allied Air Support SECTIONS ONE TO THREE Sniper Team Corporal, Junior Leader armed with Sten LMG TEAM Bren Gun Three crew Universal Carrier with Team and Junior Leader RIFLE TEAM LIST FOUR Six riflemen Regular Vickers MMG on tripod mount, 5 crew National Characteristics are the same as those listed in the main rule book for a British force: Five Rounds Rapid! and Concentrated Fire. Forward Observer and 3” mortar battery Regular Infantry Squad with Junior Leader LIST FIVE SUPPORT OPTIONS Recce Section of two Universal Carriers, 4 crew each. One Junior Leader The following support list is used for this campaign, representing the assets available to the battlegroup from the 4th Armoured Division during their attack on Saint‐Lambert‐sur‐Dives. LIST SIX M4 Sherman with Junior Leader Support Options highlighted in Orange are only available for selection in Stage 1. Options highlighted in Green are only available in Stage 2. LIST SEVEN M10 Achilles with Junior Leader The support options listed are the same as those in the main Chain of Command rule book, with the same specific rules applying. STAGE 1 ONLY STAGE 2 ONLY Any changes or options unique to this campaign will be detailed below. 21
For each scenario this is selected, prior to the game starting, the enemy randomly selects one of his squads. M4 Sherman The Sherman’s of the South Alberta Regiment ‘C’ Squadron are of a finite number. ‘C’ Squadron contains 15 Sherman’s, and any wrecked or abandoned vehicles must be recorded. Roll 1 dice to see what effect this has on the selected squad DICE EFFECT 1 Squad Missing 2 Squad Missing 3 Squad Missing 4 Team Missing 5 Team Missing 6 No Effect. All Present M10 Achilles Major Currie’s battlegroup had the support of a troop of M10 Self Propelled Anti‐Tank vehicles as it entered St. Lambert. This troop then withdrew to RHQ. Squad Missing: The selected squad has been dispersed by the Allied Air attack and will not be present for this game. Team Missing: One of the teams in a squad has been dispersed and will not take part in this game. To represent this, four M10’s are available in Stage 1 of the Campaign. Any wrecked or abandoned vehicles must be recorded, as they are a finite resource. The team should be chosen at random if there is more than one team in the squad. Pre‐Game Barrage Of course if the squad only has one team, this will be the one absent. Canadian Artillery was ever present during the German counterattack of St. Lambert. No Effect. All Present: The troops have managed to narrowly avoid the Allied Air attack, and have made their way to the lines. If the Pre‐Game Barrage is selected then it combines its effect to the already present Barrage in effect during Stage 2. They will take part in this battle normally. This increases the Barrage effect, and works as a normal pre‐game barrage, but the enemy Units attempting to deploy onto the table in the first Turn roll with a ‐1 on their dice. Allied Air Support The Allies dominated the skies during the events of the Falaise Gap. If Allied Air Support is chosen then your position has been noticed as having a large concentration of enemy forces, and friendly fighters have taken it into their hands to disperse the enemy. 22
GERMANY
FALLSCHIRMJÄGER PLATOON This force is used throughout Stage Two of the campaign, and is rated as Regular. INFANTRY PLATOON COMMAND DICE: 5 This force is used throughout Stage One of the campaign, and is rated as Regular. PLATOON HEADQUARTERS COMMAND DICE: 5 Leutnant, Senior Leader armed with a machine‐pistol
PLATOON HEADQUARTERS Unteroffizier, Senior Leader, with machine pistol Unterfeldwebel, Senior Leader armed with a machine‐pistol
SQUADS ONE TO THREE Panzerschreck Team, 2 man crew
Obergefreiter, Junior Leader armed with a machine pistol SQUADS ONE TO THREE LMG TEAM Obergefreiter, Junior Leader armed with a machine pistol, one Panzerfaust LMG TEAM MG 42
Three crew
MG 42
Three crew 1 Rifleman
RIFLE TEAM RIFLE TEAM MG 42
Three crew 1 Rifleman 1 man with machine pistol
Six riflemen
National Characteristics for both the Infantry Platoon and Fallschirmjäger Platoon are the same as those listed in the main rule book for a German force: Maschinengewehr and Handgranaten! SUPPORT OPTIONS The following support list is used for this campaign, representing the assets available to German defenders in Saint‐Lambert‐sur‐
Dives. Support Options highlighted in Orange are only available for selection in Stage 1. Options highlighted in Green are only available in Stage 2. STAGE 1 ONLY STAGE 2 ONLY 23
GERMAN SUPPORT LIST LIST SIX SdKfz 250/9 with Junior Leader LIST ONE Single Compound Charge or similar LIST SEVEN Two Panzerfausts Medical Orderly Adjutant Pak 40 with 5 crew and a Junior Leader Panzer IV G/H with Junior Leader StuG III G with Junior Leader Entrenchments for one Team LIST EIGHT Schwimmwagen or Kubelwagen, no crew Pak 43 anti‐tank gun, 5 crew and Junior Leader LIST TWO LIST TEN Roadblock Panzerschreck Team, 2 men 5cm mortar Team, 2 men Panzerknacker Team, 4 men Panther with Junior Leader Tiger I with Junior Leader The support list options listed are the same as those in the main Chain of Command rule book, with the same specific rules applying. Senior Leader LIST THREE Any changes, or options unique to this campaign, will be detailed below. SdKfz 251, no weapons Sniper Team Panzerfaust Green Infantry Squad with Junior Leader The Fallschirmjäger’s launching the counter‐attack on St. Lambert were critically low on anti‐tank weapons, if they had any at all. SdKfz 250 with four man Reconnaissance Team LIST FOUR By selecting the Panzerfaust option, for One Support point, two Panzerfausts may be distributed amongst any squads or teams as desired (that means one squad can have both Panzerfausts, or two squads can have a Panzerfaust each). This option can be selected multiple times, each selection providing two Panzerfausts, which can be distributed as per the above. Regular MG 42 on tripod mount, 5 crew Regular Infantry Squad with Junior Leader LIST FIVE Pak 38 anti‐tank gun, 5 crew and Junior Leader Regular Fallschirmjäger Squad with Junior Leader This represents the Fallschirmjäger platoon scrounging AT Infantry weapons from any fleeing German units. Regular Panzergrenadier Squad with Junior Leader 24
CAMPAIGN ARSENAL
The following table is used for the campaign, and come from the Chain of Command rulebook at the time of printing. For other weapons, consult the main rules. CAMPAIGN ARSENAL TABLE ARMOURED VEHICLES VEHICLE ARMOUR A.P. H.E. SPEED NOTES M4 Sherman 6 7 6 Average Ronson M10 Achilles 4 12 1 Average No H.E., No Hull MG Panzer IV G/H 6 9 5 Average Panther 11 12 5 Fast Tiger I 11 12 7 Slow Slow Turret, Heavy Armour StuG III G 7 9 5 Average Low Profile TRANSPORT VEHICLES VEHICLE ARMOUR A.P. H.E. SPEED NOTES Kubelwagen/ Jeep 0 ‐ ‐ Wheeled Open Top Universal Carrier 2 As Weapon Fast Low Profile, Small SdKfz 250 2 MG Fast Open Body SdKfz 251 2 MG Fast Open Body ANTI‐TANK WEAPONS ANTI‐TANK WEAPONS A.P H.E 5cm Pak 38 7 3 7.5cm Pak 40 9 5 8.8cm Pak 43 16 7 25
SCENARIOS
AND NOTES 26
Most of the St. Lambert buildings are stone, and are well built. They should be treated as hard cover. SCENARIOS
The scenarios in this campaign book are not designed to be perfectly balanced, however the overall campaign has attempted to provide balance such that either side is capable of winning the overall campaign. Light grey walls are medium obstacles and will provide some cover. Dark grey walls are high walls, and are considered major obstacles. These walls are about 8’ to 10’ high, and only fully tracked vehicles are able to dive through them. This will present a risk of bogging down. The size of the forces are not explicitly presented for each scenario, the basic force is represented, with the associated Force Rating, and then Support Options are further available using the standard rules. Any bonus Support Option details will be provided in each Scenario, and the support option lists are detailed in the Force Lists above. SCENARIO NOTES
All of the scenarios have been designed with a minimum of notes. The campaign backdrop should set the scene for each game. Just one sheet is required to be printed for each scenario, showing the map, support options and special information for each player. GENERAL TERRAIN NOTES
Any terrain specific to a scenario will be presented in the scenario overview. There are however some general notes which are worthwhile mentioning, for this area of Normandy. Each map will show the deployment areas for the Patrol Markers, which may be deployed as the player wishes in accordance to the rules. St. Lambert is a rural area, but it is not part of the bocage country. That means hedges are not impenetrable, but they do block line of sight. Troops within 2" of a hedge may be seen through it, but further away they are invisible and may not be targeted. Moving through such hedges counts as a Medium Obstacle. The scenarios used are straight from the Chain of Command rulebook. Any special rules for a scenario will be present either in the mission, or as notes in the ‘Umpire’s Notes’ section. Below are the briefings which may be distributed to the players. Grey roads are cobbled or metalled. Historic pictures show the roads in St. Lambert were wide enough for two tanks to pass each other, so this is allowed. Tan coloured roads are dirt, while tan coloured areas dirt or worn spots. The weather for the most part was fine during the attack on St. Lambert, so all dirt roads and areas will be hard enough to not cause any movement issues. The dirt roads were narrow however, allowing only one armoured fighting vehicle, or two cars, to drive on them at a time. Orchards make up the primary woodland at St. Lambert, planted in either a regular pattern or otherwise. Orchards shown as a regular pattern should be treated as a normal orchard as per the rules. Irregular patterned orchards should be treated as woods. 27
Scenario Orange One THE ROAD TO ST. LAMBERT
Background The Canadian combined force is probing the entry to St. Lambert, looking to gauge the enemy strength and assess the best point of entry. Patrol Phase Deployment This Scenario is played using Scenario Two: The Probe, from the Chain of Command rule book. The initial Canadian and German deployment options are shown on the map above. The German player deploys four Patrol Markers within 12” of his table edge. The Canadian player may choose to deploy either three or four Patrol Markers, all being placed on the road, as shown. Canadian Forces The Canadian player has eight support points available for this scenario. German Forces The German player has four support points available for this scenario. 28
Scenario Orange Two ENTERING THE TOWN
Background Major Currie’s battlegroup attempts to enter St. Lambert shortly after dawn on the 19th. The straggle of stone houses on both sides of the road is an uninviting task. The German force is well positioned, and enemy tanks can be seen in between the houses. Patrol Phase Deployment This Scenario is played using Scenario Four: A Delaying Action, from the Chain of Command rule book. The initial Canadian and German deployment options are shown on the map above. Canadian Forces The Canadian player has nine support points available for this scenario. In addition, the Canadian player has the use of one Sherman tank for no support cost. German Forces The German player has four support points available for this scenario. In addition, the German player is able to deploy one Panzer IV tank at the location indicated on the map (the Armour symbol) at no support cost. 29
Scenario Orange Three PANTHERS ON THE PROWL!
Background The Canadians have made it into the towns centre. Capturing this pivotal point will force the German defenders back to the bridge. This will not be a pushover. Patrol Phase Deployment This Scenario is played using Scenario Three: Attack and Defend, from the Chain of Command rule book. The initial Canadian and German deployment options are shown on the map above. Canadian Forces The Canadian player has sixteen support points available for this scenario. German Forces The German player has three support points available for this scenario. In addition, the German player is able to deploy one Panther tank at the location indicated on the map (the Armour symbol) at no support cost. 30
Scenario Orange Four BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER DIVES
Background The bridge crossing sur Dives is of great strategic importance to both sides. The German forces are preparing to sell themselves dearly. The Canadians will stop at nothing to make sure the bridge cannot be used. Patrol Phase Deployment This Scenario is played using Scenario Six: Attack on an Objective, from the Chain of Command rule book. The initial Canadian and German deployment options are shown on the map above. The German player deploys four Patrol Markers on the Objective (marked bridge). The Canadian player may choose to deploy either three or four Patrol Markers, along their friendly edge, as per the scenario in the rulebook. Canadian Forces The Canadian player has twelve support points available for this scenario. Capturing the Bridge Objective is important for the Canadian forces. German Forces The German player has six support points available for this scenario. Holding the Bridge Objective is vital for the German Forces. 31
Scenario Green Five THE CROSSROADS
Background This counterattack is occurring in the heart of the town. These crossroads contain all the major roads through the town. Driving the enemy out from the town centre will help solidify your hold on St. Lambert. Patrol Phase Deployment This Scenario is played using Scenario Three: Attack and Defend, from the Chain of Command rule book. The deployment area shown above is used when the German’s have the initiative and are the attacker. The small map to the side shows the alternate deployment zone for when the Canadians are the attacker. Canadian Forces If the Canadian forces are attacking, they have eighteen support points available for this scenario. If they are defending, they will have eleven support points available German Forces The German player has fourteen support points available for this scenario if they are attacking If they are defending they will have seven points available 32
Scenario Green Six THE BELFRY
Background The Belfry of the local church offers a commanding view of the bridge and roads through St. Lambert. The Belfry gives an important strategic vantage to the side which can hold it. Patrol Phase Deployment This Scenario is played using Scenario Three: Attack and Defend, from the Chain of Command rule book. The deployment area shown above is used when the German’s have the initiative and are the attacker. The small map to the side shows the alternate deployment zone for when the Canadians are the attacker. Canadian Forces If the Canadian forces are attacking, they have fourteen support points available for this scenario. If they are defending, they will have nine support points available German Forces The German player has ten support points available for this scenario if they are attacking If they are defending they will have five points available 33
Scenario Green Seven OUTFLANKING
Background The northern area of the town allows both sides manoeuvring room not seen in the southern and western edges. This gives a chance for either side to attempt to outflank the enemy. Patrol Phase Deployment This is Scenario Five in the main rule book and all deployment is precisely as stated there. The initial Patrol Marker deployment options are shown on the image above. The deployment area shown above is used when the German’s have the initiative and are the attacker. The small map to the side shows the alternate deployment zone for when the Canadians are the attacker. Canadian Forces If the Canadian forces are attacking, they have sixteen support points available for this scenario. If they are defending, they will have nine support points available German Forces The German player has twelve support points available for this scenario if they are attacking If they are defending they will have six points available 34
UMPIRE’S SCENARIO NOTES
Scenario Orange 3 Notes There are specific events that occur throughout the campaign of which the players need to be made aware. The Canadian player has a secondary objective to destroy the Panther tank prowling between the buildings. If the Panther is destroyed or abandoned, the Campaign Tracker is reduced by an additional 2 points. If an Umpire is running the campaign, this section is for their eyes only. If there is no Umpire, both players should read the notes for each Scenario prior to playing. Scenario Orange 4 Notes The bridge is a vital objective for both sides. The side that wins this encounter will move the Campaign Tracker by an additional 1 point in the direction favourable to them. CAMPAIGN STAGE 1
(Scenarios Orange 1 to 4) The initial four missions are played sequentially, no matter who wins each mission. The Canadian forces always have the Initiative and are considered the attackers. CAMPAIGN STAGE 2
(Scenarios Green 5 to 7) Stage 2 starts with the Germans having Initiative and selecting the first scenario location. They will be the attacker. Neither side has the option to halt or bolster defences. Neither side has the option to halt or bolster defences. Any losses taken by the Canadians will be in effect for the entire Campaign. They are not able to be reinforced, although they will have one lot of replacements arrive at the end of Stage 1. They also have the option of selecting infantry squads in Stage 2. The winner of a scenario will have the Initiative for the next scenario, will count as the attacker, and may select the encounter location. A reminder that no location may be selected twice in a row, by either side. The results of each scenario will modify the Campaign Morale Tracker for the Germans, and help set its starting level for Stage 2. Scenario Green 5 Notes No additional gameplay notes are needed for this mission. In each Stage 1 Scenario: •
•
If the Canadians win, the starting Campaign Tracker for Stage 2 will be reduced by 1 Point. Scenario Green 6 Notes The church belfry gives a commanding view of the area, especially the roads through St. Lambert. If the Germans win, the starting Campaign Tracker for Stage 2 will be increased by 1 Point. The Belfry (or section of the church closest to the belfry) acts as a jump off point (JoP) to whichever side captures it. This JoP starts each mission as neutral, belonging to no side, to help reflect the frantic ebb and flow of battle. Scenario Orange 1 The Tracker is decreased by an additional 1 point if the Canadian unit making it off the table edge is either a Sherman tank or belongs to the base platoon (i.e. is not a support choice). Scenario Orange 2 Notes The normal rules in Chain of Command about capturing Jump Off Points apply, except that instead of removing an enemy JoP when captured, it becomes a JoP for the capturing side. In addition, the German forces are able to add a further 1 point to the Campaign Tracker for each Sherman that is knocked out or abandoned. This JoP is able to be used like normal, and rolls for ‘Bad Things Happen’ apply if you own the JoP and it is captured. This JoP may change hands any number of times. 35
Stage 2: to determine the amount the Campaign Tracker moves, and in which direction, the following is used: If the side which wins the scenario has also captured the Belfry JoP, they may add 2 points to the direction the Morale Tracker moves. Scenario Green 7 Notes •
Determine the difference in force morale between the two sides at the end of a scenario. Once calculated, halve that amount, to a minimum of 2 points. This is the change in the Campaign Tracker. •
The direction the tracker moves is in the direction favourable to the winning force (i.e. the tracker increases after a German win, and decreases after a Canadian win). The outflanking manoeuvres of this scenario location allow easier access for troops to reach the other locations. The side which holds this location (i.e. the side which last won this scenario), may add 1 support point to the battles in any other location in Stage 2. CAMPAIGN MORALE TRACKER
One of the primary means for determining who wins the Campaign is the Campaign Morale Tracker. If the result is a draw, or the winner has a lower force morale than the loser, there will be no change in the Campaign Tracker The German army was encircled, badly mauled and on the run when they began flooding through St. Lambert. Although they are trying to hold the way open, the events are morale‐sapping. They are under constant air and artillery attack, watching as their beaten and bloodied kamerads are fleeing. Both players are privy to the level of the Campaign Morale Tracker at all times. CAMPAIGN MORAL TRACKER MODIFIERS Morale Tracker Starting Value: 10
(check following conditions at end of battle) Higher Campaign Morale is better for Germany Lower Campaign Morale is better for Canada Scenario Cause Mod. STAGE 1 Canada Scenario Victory ‐1 per (Orange 1 – 4) victory Germany Scenario +1 per Victory (Orange 1 – 4) victory Orange 1 Canadian Sherman or ‐1 base Platoon team off Orange 2 Per Sherman destroyed +1 Orange 3 Panther Destroyed ‐2 Orange 4 Canadians captured ‐1 Bridge Objective Germans captured Bridge +1 Objective STAGE 2 Determine difference in +/‐ <x> Force Morale. Halve difference, to a min of 2. Move in direction favourable to winning force. Draw results in no change. Green 6 If winning side has also +/‐ 2 captured Belfry JoP then tracker moves in favourable direction If Campaign Morale reaches 0 after a scenario, then German forces lose the campaign. To represent the ongoing morale effect over the course of the campaign, Stage 2 introduces a Campaign Morale Tracker for the German forces. This Campaign Morale Tracker will initially be set to 10 when Stage 2 of the Campaign begins. This starting number will be modified by additional morale penalties or bonuses provided by the results of Stage 1 (Scenarios Orange 1 to 4). The level of the Campaign Tracker at the start of Stage 2, after modifications, will be the maximum points that the tracker can reach for the duration of the campaign. The higher the Morale Tracker, the better for the German forces. Consequently the lower the Campaign Tracker the better for the Canadians. If the Tracker ever reaches zero, the campaign is over (see the Winning the Campaign section below) Each Stage of the Campaign has a different effect on the Campaign Morale Tracker, please see the relevant Campaign Section and Scenario for details See Campaign Stage 1 notes for how the Campaign Tracker is affected during that stage of play. 36
“You have held out. Although it is inevitable your position will fall, you have resisted long enough to let a significant amount of vehicles and troops retreat. The positions at the Seine will be well reinforced” WINNING THE CAMPAIGN
Historically the fighting was so intense and confused that neither side could predict the result until things suddenly came to a halt. Both players know their mission is vital and will be aware that the Campaign Morale Tracker is tracking the resistance of the German forces. 3. If either side successfully wins three games in a row, one at each Stage 2 location, that side has forced back the other sufficiently to be considered to completely hold St. Lambert and the corresponding roads. That side will win the Campaign. Both players will also be aware of exactly where the Campaign Morale Tracker sits. There are three ways the campaign may be won: 1. If the Campaign Morale Tracker ever reaches 0, the Germans have been overwhelmed and give up. They surrender to the Canadians and the Gap is closed. The Canadians will have won. “Your troops and support have marshalled strongly. With a number of quick decisive action you have all but cleared the town of the enemy, and control the vital roadways” “The spirit of the German resistance in St. Lambert has been shattered, unable to beat the staunch Canadian Defence. The Gap is closed, and the German army is surrendering en masse” If any of the above victory conditions occur at the same time, in such a way that they would cancel each other out, then the Campaign will be considered a draw. “The Germans have surrendered, but more retreating troops have made good their escape than you hoped. The Canadian battlegroup has taken heavy casualties trying to stop the flow. They will be an ineffective fighting force for the foreseeable future.” 2. Stage 2 will last for a maximum of 5 games, after which the Germans have been able to hold the Gap open long enough to allow sufficient vehicles and troops through to help reinforce the positions at the Seine River. The Germans will be considered victorious. 37
GAME SYSTEMS
Infantry Platoon Crossroads, Closing the Gap is designed to be played with Chain of Command, using ‘At the Sharp End’ as the campaign management system. The Primary Platoon is from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (as per the Campaign Rules) – Force Rating 0. As such is it designed to be a Platoon+ level game, although this does not mean it is not suitable to be played using other scales or systems. The information and scenarios presented above can be used to form the basis of games. Further Infantry Platoon will either be from the selections below and will be arranged as per the Campaign Rules, with a Force Rating 0. 
Whilst not claiming to be an expert in game systems, I have tried to provide some guidance in incorporating the Crossroads Campaign in other ways. 
Sherman Troop In all cases, when modifying any of the information, please try and remember the background as much as possible and make any changes in the spirit of the Campaign. All Sherman Troops are from the South Alberta Regiment and have Force Rating +4. M4 SHERMAN TROOP M4 Sherman with Senior Leader The Force Lists presented for the campaign should provide a good reference as to the types of vehicle and support options available. M4 Sherman with Junior Leader M4 Sherman with Junior Leader M4 Sherman with Junior Leader The S.A.R. Troop consists of four M4 Sherman 75mm tanks, with one tank nominated as the lead tank being commanded by a Senior Leader. The other tanks are commanded by Junior Leaders. There are four Troops and an HQ Troop of 3 Tanks. BIG CHAIN OF COMMAND Rules made available online and can be found here: http://toofatlardies.co.uk/blog/?p=3013 Adapting this campaign to use Big Chain of Command is relatively simple and would fit the campaign background well. Remember that ‘C’ Squadron was limited to 15 Sherman tanks. Any vehicles losses must be recorded. This number includes any Sherman tanks taken as Support Options for any force. The following forces are recommended, with the associated Force Rating. M10 Troop In addition, it is recommended to leave the Support Points as is for each scenario, and simply make any adjustments based on the difference between Force Ratings of any additional platoons or squadrons after the first. In Stage 1 only it is possible to field the M10 troop as a unified force, with Force Rating +6. M10 ACHILLES TROOP M10 Achilles with Senior Leader M10 Achilles with Junior Leader M10 Achilles with Junior Leader M10 Achilles with Junior Leader CANADA The below table shows which forces can be selected in which order. One vehicle is to be nominated as the lead vehicle and is commanded by a Senior Leader. The others are commanded by Junior Leaders. STAGE ONE AND TWO PRIMARY FORCE SECONDARY FORCE ANY FURTHER FORCES Infantry Platoon M4 Sherman Squadron Infantry Platoon OR M4 Sherman Sqd OR M10 Achilles Troop Remember there was only one troop of M10’s available to the battlegroup. As such there are four M10’s that can be used. This number includes any M10’s taken as Support Options for any force, and any vehicle losses must be recorded. the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, up to 4 Platoon is total including the Primary Force, Lincoln and Welland Regiment, up to 2 Platoons. 38
The other 3 tanks are commanded by Junior Leaders. GERMANY The below table shows which forces can be selected in which order. This is a very limited squadron, there are no replacements if a tank is destroyed. If a tank is lost, the next time this Armour squadron is selected it will be without any previously lost tanks. As a result, determine the new Force Rating as per the Big Chain of Command rules. STAGE ONE PRIMARY FORCE Infantry Platoon SECONDARY FORCE Mixed Armour STAGE TWO PRIMARY FORCE Fallschirmjäger Platoon ANY FURTHER FORCES Infantry Platoon OR Retreating Armour OR Fallschirmjäger Platoon Fallschirmjäger Platoon A standard Fallschirmjäger Platoon (as per the Campaign Rules) – Force Rating 4. Retreating Armour This squadron is hastily put together from vehicles retreating of the bridge at St. Lambert, and is most likely not from the same unit. It consists of 4 tanks and may be selected from the following: Infantry Platoon A standard Heer Infantry Platoon (as per the Campaign Rules) – Force Rating 0. RETREATING ARMOUR Panzer IV G/H OR StuG III F/G with Junior Mixed Armour Leader Panzer IV G/H OR StuG III F/G with Junior Leader Panzer IV G/H OR Tiger I OR Panther with Junior Leader Panzer IV G/H OR Tiger I OR Panther with Junior Leader
To determine the Force Rating of the squadron, and who the Senior Leader is please refer to the Big Chain of Command rules. The Mixed Armour squadron for Stage 1 consists of three Panzer IV tanks and either a Tiger or Panther tank – Force Rating +8. MIXED ARMOUR Panzer IV G/H with Senior Leader Panzer IV G/H with Junior Leader Panzer IV G/H with Junior Leader Tiger I or Panther with Junior Leader One Panzer IV tank should be nominated as the lead tank being, commanded by a Senior Leader. 39
BOLT ACTION FLAMES OF WAR For Bolt Action games I would suggest standard 1000 point forces. The Force composition laid out in the campaign rules provide a good indication of how each force should be constructed. For Flames of War games I would suggest standard 1750 to 2000 point forces. Force composition recommendations are as follows (please use the closest army lists possible if the recommended books become out of date): Chain of Command frequently uses game tables where either long or short edge can be used as a starting edge. This may not always fit Bolt Action, in a scenario where it is recommended to start on short edges, feel free to use the master St. Lambert map to adjust the map as appropriate. STAGE ONE CANADIAN FORCE For changes to the Campaign Morale Tracker, CAMPAIGN MORALE TRACKER STAGE ONE Remains the same as the base campaign. STAGE TWO Determined the winner as per the mission rules.
Find the points difference between the two sides, of any destroyed units. Then for each 200 points difference move the Tracker one point in the direction favourable to the winner. Any drawn games (or negative points difference) see the Tracker remain unchanged. As Bolt Action has a different set of missions, I would suggest the following changes. GERMAN FORCE MISSION ALTERNATIVES STAGE ONE Orange 1 Orange 2 Orange 3 Orange 4 Green 5 Green 6 Green 7 CANADIAN FORCE Bolt Action Scenario 2: Maximum Attrition Bolt Action Scenario 5: Top Secret (Use a knocked out Sherman as the objective, task is to rescue the crew) Canadians must take a Sherman
Germans must take a Pz IV Bolt Action Scenario 2: Maximum Attrition Germans must take a Panther Bolt Action Scenario 3: Point Defence (Bridge is one objective, footbridge a second) STAGE TWO Bolt Action Scenario 2: Maximum Attrition Bolt Action Scenario 4: Hold Until Relieved Bolt Action Scenario 1: Envelopment GERMAN FORCE 10 CIB & South Alberta Regiment (Canadian Armoured Recce Squadron) from Turning Tide P95. Major David V Currie, VC may also be used. One Anti‐Tank Platoon (SP), Royal Artillery may also be taken. (from Turning Tide P114). Grenadierkompanie from Earth and Steel P130. (no access Armour support platoons). Additional option to take one unit from 501. Schwere Panzer Platoon with a mix of Tiger Is, Panthers and a Panzer IV J (from Bridge at Remagen) STAGE TWO 10 CIB & South Alberta Regiment (Canadian Armoured Recce Squdron) from Turning Tide P95. Major David V Currie, VC may also be used. 3 Fallschirmjägerdivision (Fallschirmjägerkompanie) from Earth and Steel P194. Additional option to take one unit from 501. Schwere Panzer Platoon with a mix of Tiger Is, Panthers and a Panzer IV J (from Bridge at Remagen) Chain of Command frequently uses game tables where either long or short edge can be used as a starting edge. This may not always fit Flames of War missions, in a scenario where it is recommended to start on short edges, feel free to use the Master St. Lambert map to adjust the map as appropriate. 40
I would suggest the following changes, based on further research of forces. For changes to the Campaign Morale Tracker, CAMPAIGN MORALE TRACKER STAGE ONE CANADA Remains the same as the base campaign. STAGE TWO Tracker moves the number of points indicated below, in the direction favourable to the winner
Stunning Victory 4 points Major Victory 3 points Minor Victory 2 points Any drawn games see the Tracker remain unchanged. As Flames of War has a different set of missions, I would suggest the following changes. Orange 3 Orange 4 Green 5 Green 6 Green 7 •
Remove the Firefly from Tank Troop Option 2 and replace it with another M4 Sherman. •
Add an M10 Achilles Troop Option MISSION ALTERNATIVES STAGE ONE Orange 2 Remove the Firefly from Tank Troop Option 1 completely M10 ACHILLES TROOP One Big Man Level II Four M10 Achilles Self Propelled Anti‐Tank Guns Orange 1 •
GERMANY Flames of War Mission: Encounter Flames of War Mission: Fighting Withdrawal Flames of War Mission: No Retreat Flames of War Mission: Hold the line STAGE TWO Flames of War Mission: Free for All Flames of War Mission: Hasty Attack Flames of War Mission: Breakthrough •
Add and Anti‐Tank Zug ANTI‐TANK ZUG One Big Man Level II Two Pak 43 AT guns with 5 crew each An alternative option would be to play through the scenarios above, using the IABSM rules and using the forces mentioned above. Remember to remove the Canadian M10 troop for Stage 2. I would recommend replacing the M10 troop with a 3rd Platoon, identical to the 2nd Platoon. GENERAL
DESIGN
NOTES
&
THOUGHTS
I have added my thoughts about how and why the campaign was constructed the way it is. Research turned up a lot of conflicting information in places, although reports do generally seem to support one variation more than the rest in most cases. I have tried to stay as true to the events as they occurred, and as accurate as possible with the Scenario Maps. The maps are all taken from a 1:25,000 map, sized appropriated for a 6’ x 4’ table, where 12” equals 40 yards. The resultant area was then used as a backdrop and map details were superimposed over the top. I AINT’T BEEN SHOT MUM A scenario already exists for I Ain’t Been Shot Mum (IABSM) 3rd Edition rulebook (Scenario 4, A Canadian V.C.) and will allow you to play a company scale battle across half the town. 41
There seems to be some difference of opinion, but a lot of corresponding records note that the 29th, as a recce force, had 3 troops of 4 tanks along with a command troop of 3 tanks giving the squadron 15 tanks overall. In both cases, slight modifications have been required to make the campaign playable and enjoyable. Certain liberties have also been taken where information was sparse or non‐existent. The game stats are taking from the Chain of Command rules as at the time of its printing, and using the most up to date CoCulator. Should any official changes be made in the future, this document will be updated to reflect those changes (Vehicle Arsenal for example) Instead it seems like the 29th had the use of a troop of M10 self‐propelled anti‐tank guns, made available from the 5th Anti‐tank Regiment, RCA. The 5th ATR, RCA was equipped with 17pdr M10’s however they were only present in the attack on St. Lambert, and stayed outside the town. Given the above here are some thoughts and findings I have on the subject. The M10’s left the battlegroup and moved back to Regiment HQ, on Hill 117, after St. Lambert was captured (at the end of Stage 1). The battle at St. Lambert was instrumental in closing the Falaise Gap. In truth there were many small units of troops trying to cross the Dives River wherever they could. They were subject to punishing fire from artillery, aircraft, vehicles and troops. The destruction was on a scale rarely seen. There is very little information on the German defenders of St. Lambert. There is no mention of them being from the 12 SS Panzerdivision, so I have presumed they were more of a standard infantry platoon, with a variety of options. Representing this in a campaign was challenging, as there seems to clearly be two parts to the battle. The War Diaries of the 29th and Argyll’s indicate that both a German Mk IV and a Panther were destroyed reasonably early on, and that another Mk IV was destroyed a little later. The attack on St. Lambert, as the Canadian battlegroup pushed the German defenders out, is represented by Stage 1. This stage, while still hard fought, seemed to have the German defenders retreating and even though there was resistance the Canadian force was able to clear the village out. The war diaries also suggest that there were German 88’s in the town, as these knocked out a number of Shermans. This is represented by Stage 1 scenarios occurring in sequential order, regardless of the outcome. Instead of battling back and forth, the bonuses for winning will affect the morale of the German forces in Stage 2. This means the results of the four Stage 1 battles are still important, as if either side finds themselves giving too many Campaign Tracker modifications away to the enemy it will make Stage 2 all that much more difficult. Once the Canadian battlegroup cleared the town and made it to the bridge, they found they had no explosives so were unable to blow it up. This led to the gruelling Stage 2 of the campaign. Stage 2 of the campaign, and what I have called the German counter‐attack, really seems to be the infiltration of small units into St. Lambert with the 3. Fallschrimjägerdivision in the lead attempting to scout out any weaknesses to exploit in the Canadian defence. From their position were unable to find any and thought St. Lambert was very well defended. Historically the Canadian battlegroup consisted of an understrength company, of 55 men, from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. They looked to be equipped as a standard infantry company, and hitched a ride on the Shermans of the S.A.R. After this infiltration German units started arriving initially in dribs and drabs until in time entire columns were waiting to cross the bridge, or were flooding the Dives River trying to get across. The South Alberta Regiment (29th Armoured Recce Regiment) was the only regiment to not have mixed tank troops of Shermans and Firefly’s. The 29th did not receive Firefly’s until September 1944, which is why they are not present in the force list for this campaign. There is no real account of specific units defending the bridge at St. Lambert and keeping the way open. It is acceptable to suggest that a platoon of Fallschirmjäger would have been present. 42
During questioning, Kurt Meyer mentioned that he could see Fallschirmjäger squads fighting in St. Lambert and trying to keep away from the Sherman tanks of the Canadians as they had no anti‐tank weapons. from the support options, as opposed to obtaining full reinforcements. Reports suggest the Canadian battlegroup may have been outnumbered 50:1, luckily many of the German units were more willing to surrender than fight. In order to balance this for the campaign, I feel it is reasonable to think these defenders would try and call upon retreating forces to help them, or at least supply them with weapons and ammunition. This is represented by the removal of all infantry anti‐tank weapons in the base Fallschirmjäger platoon, but allow them to be selected as support options. Overall, the accounts of the battle indicate extreme confusion, and a mass of German troops retreating wherever and however they could, trying to cross the Dives River before it was altogether closed. In order to preserve some structure to the campaign, I decided to stick with set forces for Stage 1 and Stage 2. The ability to take a wide array of support options for the German forces represents the scattered options available from the retreating army. There were also many vehicles, from transports to tanks, attempting to cross the bridge at St. Lambert. I also think it is reasonable that some of these would have turned their attention to help where possible. There is a record, in the War Diaries of the S.A.R., of a Tiger being destroyed as it tried to hold the main crossroads. The Canadian battlegroup seems to be more detailed in its composition, and as such I have reflected this in their support options. Major Currie made repeated calls for backup, and finally was assigned ‘B’ Company of the Argyll’s and a company from Lincoln and Welland Regiment. In general, the line was stretched thin which is represented by the reduced number of replacements and the ability to select a Section Hopefully this leads to a campaign which represents the actions taking place as faithfully as possible, and lets us contemplate some of the many sacrifices made in war. 43
REFERENCES
29th Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment. (2006). Retrieved from The Royal Canadian Armoured Corps Association: http://www.rcaca.org/includes/r‐SAR.asp Anonymous. (2012, 1 25). Special Interrogation Report: Brigadefuhrer Kurt Meyer Command, 12th SS Panzer Division (6 June‐25 August 1944). Canadian Military History, pp. Volume 11, Issue 4. Article 6. Bougie, S., & Vint, J. (2015). Crossroads, Closing the Gap: Interior Miniature Pictures. Bridge, A. (2000). ""In the Eye of the Storm”: A Recollection of Three Days in the Falaise Gap, 19–21 August 1944". Canadian Military History: Vol. 9: Iss. 3, Article 6, Available at: http://scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol9/iss3/6. Canada at War. (2005). Retrieved from http://www.canadaatwar.ca/ Copp, T. (2004). Fields of Fire: The Canadians in Normandy. Copp, T. (2013). The Cork In The Bottle: Canadians And Poles At The Falaise Gap. Retrieved from Legion Magazine: https://legionmagazine.com/en/2013/09/the‐cork‐in‐the‐bottle‐canadians‐and‐poles‐at‐
the‐falaise‐gap/ Foot, R. (2006). Battle of Normandy. Retrieved from Historica Canada: http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/normandy‐invasion/ Ford, K. (2005). Falaise 1944: Death of an Army. Hayes, G., Bechthold, M., & Symes, M. (2012). Canada and the Second World War: Essays in Honour of Terry Copp. HistoryNet Staff. (2006). World War II: Closing the Falaise Pocket. Retrieved from HistoryNet: http://www.historynet.com/world‐war‐ii‐closing‐the‐falaise‐pocket.htm Jarymowycz, R. J. (2012, 1 20). Canadian Armour in Normandy: Operation “Totalize” and the Quest for Operational Manoeuvre. Canadian Military History, pp. Volume 7, Issue 2. Article 3. Lieutenant‐Colonel G.D. Wotherspoon. (July ‐ August, 1944). War Diary of 29 Canadian Armoured Regiment (S Alta R). RG 24, The Department of National Defence Fonds, RG 24‐C‐3 Volume 14295; Microfilm Reel T‐12767. Lieutenant‐Colonel J.D. Stewart. (July ‐ August, 1944). War Diary of Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada. RG 24, The Department of National Defence Fonds, RG 24‐C‐3 Volumes 15026, 15027. Meyer, H. (2005). The 12th SS: The History of the Hitler Youth Panzer Division. O'Reilly, J., Habeggar, L., & O'Reilly, S. (2002). Travelers' Tales France: True Stories. Smith, J. (n.d.). Western Front: The Second World War. Stacey, C. (1966). Volume III: The Victory Campaign. Retrieved from Official History of the Canadian Army in the Second World War: http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/UN/Canada/CA/Victory/Victory‐10.html The Regimental Foundation of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.argylls.ca/index Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org "A & SH of C cap badge" by Source. Licensed under Fair use via Wikipedia ‐ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:A_%26_SH_of_C_cap_badge.png#/media/File:A_%26_SH_of_C_cap_badge
.png "A&SHC Regimental Colour" by Source (WP:NFCC#4). Licensed under Fair use via Wikipedia ‐ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:A%26SHC_Regimental_Colour.jpg#/media/File:A%26SHC_Regimental_Colo
ur.jpg "4th Canadian Armoured Division formation sign" by BFCockburn ‐ transfer from Wikipedia. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons ‐ http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:4th_Canadian_Armoured_Division_formation_sign.png#/media/Fil
e:4th_Canadian_Armoured_Division_formation_sign.png "12SSHJinsig" by Original uploader was Jecowa at en.wikipediaTraced by Gonzalogprado ‐ Originally from en.wikipedia; description page is/was here.. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons ‐ http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:12SSHJinsig.svg#/media/File:12SSHJinsig.svg "Deut.7.Armee‐Abzeichen1944" by Own work. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons ‐ http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Deut.7.Armee‐Abzeichen1944.gif#/media/File:Deut.7.Armee‐
Abzeichen1944.gif "3rd Fallschirmjäger Division (Wehrmacht WW2)" by Joeyeti ‐ Own work. Licensed under CC BY‐SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons ‐ http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:3rd_Fallschirmj%C3%A4ger_Division_(Wehrmacht_WW2).svg#/me
dia/File:3rd_Fallschirmj%C3%A4ger_Division_(Wehrmacht_WW2).svg "Major david currie vc" by Lieut. Donald I. Grant ‐ Library and Archives Canada. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons ‐ http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Major_david_currie_vc.jpg#/media/File:Major_david_currie_vc.jpg “Hill 262 20 Aug 1944" by EyeSerene ‐ Own work by uploader. Based onCopp, Terry (2004) [2003] Fields of Fire: The Canadians in Normandy, Toronto: University of Toronto Press ISBN: 0‐80203‐780‐1. OCLC: 56329119.August 20th: the counter‐attack of 2nd SS‐PanzerKorps. Mémorial de Coudehard‐Montormel (memorial‐montormel.org). Retrieved on 2010‐07‐16.Additional information incorporated from sourced descriptive text at Hill 262 at en.wikipedia.org. Licensed under GFDL via Wikimedia Commons ‐ http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hill_262_20_Aug_1944.svg#/media/File:Hill_262_20_Aug_1944.sv
g "Balkenkreuz" by David Liuzzo ‐ German Junkers Ju 52 Messerschmitt Me‐262Own work and also based on Page 49 ofG. G.Lepage, Jean Denis (2009) Aircraft of the Luftwaffe 1935–1945: An Illustrated History, McFarland & Company, p. 402 ISBN: 0786439378.. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons ‐ http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Balkenkreuz.svg#/media/File:Balkenkreuz.svg