The Invasion So Far After the initial landings pushed the Germans back and secured the beaches, the British repulsed German counter attacks and finished their Mulberry. The US army linked Omaha and Utah by taking Carentan. Both Armies started driving into the interior while the Commonwealth forces focused on Caen and the Americans focused on […]
Normandy ’44 Campaign AAR Part IX: June 25th-26th Read Post »
After Action ReportIntroduction This is the third and last installment in my after-action report for “Fisher’s Hill”, one of Death Valley‘s 1864 battles. Like the preceding parts, it employs a “narrative” style designed to display the GBACW system’s level of detail. In all but the final section of the article I avoid game terminology. Nevertheless, the AAR
Fisher’s Hill: A Death Valley Narrative-Style AAR (Part 3) Read Post »
After Action Report, Designer Blogs, Scenarios/VariantsThe Invasion So Far The US Army has reached Cherbourg and pierced the perimeter under the direction of VII Corps. After cutting the peninsula XIX Corps has turned south, pushing against Axis troops towards Coutances. VIII Corps is advancing south on the highway to St-lô. V Corps is trying to reach the southern edge of
Normandy ’44 Campaign AAR Part VIII: June 23rd-24th Read Post »
After Action ReportIntroduction This is the second in a three-part after-action report for “Fisher’s Hill”, one of Death Valley‘s 1864 battles. Like its predecessor, it employs a “narrative” style, avoiding game terminology but relying solely on GBACW system mechanics for its details, except for invented dialogue between historical figures. Where not entirely indulgent, the dialogue serves to
Fisher’s Hill: A Death Valley Narrative-Style AAR (Part 2) Read Post »
After Action Report, Designer Blogs, Scenarios/VariantsThe Invasion So Far… The Allies spent the first week landing on the beaches, repelling German counter-attacks and pushing inland to gain a viable foot-hold. The second week was spent expanding the bridgeheads while the US and British sectors were united. An ambitious attack by Panzer Lehr was stopped just short of Arromanches and the
Normandy ’44 Campaign AAR Part VII: June 21st -22nd Read Post »
After Action ReportAs a counterpart to the after-action report for the Death Valley scenario, “Carroll Burns the Bridge”, which appeared several months ago in this blog, I now offer this first installment of an AAR for one of the game’s 1864 battles, Fisher’s Hill. This one, too, employs a “narrative” style. I believe the GBACW system is
Fisher’s Hill: A Death Valley Narrative-Style AAR (Part 1) Read Post »
After Action Report, Designer Blogs, Scenarios/VariantsThe Invasion So Far… After linking the beaches, the US Army landed two more divisions, the 30th and the 79th Infantry. The former subbed in for the 82nd Airborne which took a lot of casualties in the fighting around Carentan. The latter is forming up between the 1st and 2nd Infantry divisions so greater firepower
Normandy ’44 Campaign AAR Part VI: June 19th-20th Read Post »
After Action ReportLowering his head, the Commander slumps back into the gulley – this battle is lost. He has failed to take the high ground, and worse – the Germans have a commanding view of the field of battle, and are moving up additional tanks and infantry to secure their lines. “Get ready to fall back, we
Tank Duel Scenario 2: Hold the High Ground – Round 10 Read Post »
After Action Report, Playtest Reports, Scenarios/VariantsThe Invasion So Far… The US Army successfully took Carentan and linked the Omaha and Utah beaches. More infantry will be needed as the front continues to expand deeper into the boccage. The British Army has landed more tanks and expanded their front line. Joining as reinforcements are the 11th Armoured Division and the rest
Normandy ’44 Campaign AAR Part V: June 16th-18th Read Post »
After Action ReportFire erupts from the barrels of the Panther and PZ IV nearly simultaneously as they open up on the T-34/85, which is creeping further into the building. The Commander sees one shot impact the T-34/85 in the hull between the driver and Assistant driver! No smoke or flames, but how bad is the damage? The
Tank Duel Scenario 2: Hold the High Ground – Round 9 Read Post »
After Action Report, Playtest Reports, Scenarios/Variants