The Next Campaign Battle: Village of Torteval-Quesnay 

Sunday, 21 March 2010 at 1 PM

Site Updated - Sunday, 7 March 2010 

The ASWA Flames of War "Gang"  welcomes you to our website. Hope you enjoy your visit and come back soon. 

Treefort Games

150 Banks Crossing 

(Next to Kroger in the Banks Crossing Shopping Center on State Hwy 85)

Fayetteville, Ga

770-719-3400

ASWA Membership & FOW Army Listing 

(To see actual membership FOW army listings CLICK on the link at the bottom of this page)

 I know I have missed a couple of newer players on the above contact list. This has occurred either because I have not received your current e-mail address or you sent it and you did not indicate who you were on your submission. Your unit(s) will not be placed on this page nor on the army list index page unless I have put your name, contact info and the unit designation of your army.  Please assist me in keeping our group "roster" up to date by submitting the above information.  Danka........... 

THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE 

The offensive was planned with the utmost secrecy, minimizing radio traffic and conducting the movement of all troops and equipment under the cover of darkness. The Furhrer had planned a major counter offensive that was designed to split the British and American Allied line in half, to capture Antwerp, Belgium and then to encircle and destroy four Allied armies. The end result of this bold plan, code named Unternehmen Wacht am Rhein (in English: "Operation Watch on the Rhine"), was to obtain a major victory that would force the Allies to cease their advance and to negotiate a peace which would prevent the anticipated invasion of Germany herself. Although the plan was never fully realized, it was a costly one indeed. Initially, the Allies were caught completely off guard and this was the result of a number of contributing factors. The most obvious was Allied overconfidence that the war was almost over coupled with a great deal of attention being made on plans of continuing with their own offensive in what they believed would meet with only token resistance. To these over-sights, poor aerial reconnaissance and air support in general (due to the weather) and the relative lack of communications about German activities in what was believed to be a "quiet sector", all aided Hitler in his final bid to end the war on his own terms. The result, of course is history. However, in the end, many experienced German units were left severely depleted of men and equipment, with over 100,000 German casualties, killed, wounded or captured of the 800,000 men committed. Many men and much equipment was destroyed or lost, the last reminisce of a once powerful German Army was effectively destroyed. However, the Allies suffered too. Their were 81,000 American casualties, including 23,554 captured and 19,000 killed. The British had 1,400 British casualties 200 killed and more than 800 tanks lost on each side plus over 1,000 German aircraft! In the coldest, snowiest weather “in memory” in the Ardennes Forest, this massive battle (which actually lasted well into January 0f 1945) would become the single largest and bloodiest battle that American forces experienced in the entire war, and in terms of losses, the worst the American Forces would suffer in all of World War Two.  

In regards to Flames of War, winter is almost over, and suffice to say, not a peep has been heard from Flames of War regarding any army list or publications dealing with this massive battle. Strange as it may seem, nothing is to say something won't be out by this summer. That said, and whether or not this becomes the case, if the ASWA group decides to "re-fight" this battle, there are a few things that both sides need to plan for in regards to "new" threats on the battlefield." First, as a group, we need to acquire a good deal of snow covered forest (which each player should pick up some to trees to lesson the load on Charlie), and the ground is hilly and WHITE, which means we all should be looking at cheap white sheets as table covered for our winter games (to include Eastern Front).  As to the German threats, the Allies were of a mind (especially Montgomery) that the war would be over by Christmas of 1944 and had no idea what was in the making.  Although the Allies, by this time, were well equipped with the new M36 Jackson TD's, the Germans had a few "tricks of their own, namely, the Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf. B, Tiger II (SdKfz 182), Königstiger, of which some 489 were produced, and the Jagdtiger (SdKfz 186), Jagdpanzer VI, of which 77 were produced. These, coupled with the Jagdpather, of which some 392 were produced, all packed the very powerful 8.8cm PaK 43 with a penetration ability capable of knocking out any tank in the world at a great distance. As evident, all were in the battle in enough numbers to be a major issue to the Allies, especially to the GI's huddled down in Bastogne .  Additionally, there were still enough Tiger VIe's and Panther tanks lurking about but to make up for the limited numbers and mechanical problems of these "new" arrivals. The only saving grace is that, by this time, Uncle Sam could put a ratio of 7 to 1 US tanks on the field to effectively counter the German's far better armored and armed AFV's and the weather had cleared allowing our Air Corp to "slam'em from above".  

http://www.warweb.com/quality-casting-wwii-c-70_153_420.html

To the "aspiring" German FOW player with an eye on "reversing the outcome of the Battle of the Bulge (should we have some), the tank menu above is available. The Jagdtiger, thouogh not produced by Battlefront as yet, is still available elsewhere, as are all the others.   

Well, the ASWA Flames of War group got together this Sunday (28 February) and kicked off the second battle in our Normandy Campaign which involved the Axis Forces (Eli, Marty, Wes, Mikey and John "holding the line" just outside the Norman Village Belleroy.  Herein, they were "briskly" assaulted by the Allied Forces (Guy, William, Kevin, Jared and Ben) in what came to be, in a numbers of "battle sectors", the quickest games we have ever had. Some were over in less then an hour and a half. Given the scenario and the table arrangement no doubt had a lot to do with this, but also being organized and ready to "fight", and doing so, by 1400 hours made things go faster and smoother. The end result, as promptly reported in the New York Times (above) may not have been a source of glee for the German players, but fun appears to have been had by all. Being out of the fight and having a chance to see the gaming results (win or loose) convinced me that although the key is to have fun, having some scope and purpose doesn't hurt either. 

In the end, and as noted on the campaign map, the German forces lost this battle and have now been forced (again) to withdraw their "battered" forces further southward, along the Axis of Advance, to the village of Torteval-Quesnay and closer to the Allies Final Objective. The Allies still remain the attacker, and will advance on the village of Torteval-Quesnay. They chose the next scenario (mission) to be played and that is THE BIG PUSH. 

ARMY LIST

Some folks, that are involved in the campaign, still have not submitted their "army list". Please do so, as it is necessary to be involved in the multi-player campaign game. Ironically, while "surfing" the Flames of War site, I stumbled upon the below criteria that the FOW folks "blessed" for one of their multi-player tournaments. Aside from how the tables are arranged and how they selected missions, some of the key points matched what we came up with and I have indicated them below, for your reading. These were cut and pasted as presented in their article. 

(a) Commander and Chief: One player on each side is selected to act as Commander-in-Chief to coordinate the battles. The CinC has the option to field a company on the battlefield or simply act as coordinator and help out other players as needed.The Commander-in-Chief is represented on the Main Attack table by a Warrior team of the most common company and unit type. The CinC is rated as Confident Veteran. If the CinC team is within command distance of a Company Command team when it makes a Company Morale Check, the Company Command team may re-roll if it fails the check. If a company fails a Company Morale Check, the CinC must make a Morale Check. If this roll is successful, the battle continues. But if this roll fails, the battle is over as the CinC decides to withdraw and try again at a different time and place.

(b) Period Army List: Forces for this competition will be Late War forces with a Normandy Theme. They can be built using lists in Festung Europa or any of the Normandy Campaign books (including D-1, D-Day, Bloody Omaha, Villers Bocage, Meatgrinder, Operation Cobra and posted PDFs from the Battlefront's website). Lists built using Afrika and Ostfront are not permitted.

(c) Preparation:  Prior to the beginning of the game, each player will submit his name, email address and force type (American Paratroopers, German Panzergrenadiers, Soviet Tankovy, etc.) to the administrator.

(d) Submission Rules (Army Lists): An infantry army must look like an infantry army. (no minimum infantry and maximum SUPER Tanks) (same for mechanized or armored units) If you want an armored company make an armored company from the list previously mentioned. The administrator reserves the right not to allow any particular army list.

  THE NEXT BATTLE 

The Next Battle, to be held either on either 14 or 21 March, will commence at 1400 hours. All players are asked to at the Treefort on or before 1300 hours, so the sides can be chosen (depending on who shows) and the pre-battle "stuff" can be done prior to the scheduled start of the game.  As just done, the Allies are the attackers and will be attacking and the Germans will be defending the village of Torteval-Quesnay. The mission will be the BIG PUSH (Page 220 of the Flames of War Rule Book) with individual player points not to exceed 1750 points. The majority of the points must be spent on the each players Core Company. Support elements can be used used if there are any points remaining and must be from the same "army" reference as your Core Company. Axis forces have no aircraft available. I have have most of the Army List so your Core Company, which must account for the majority of your 1750 points, cannot be changed without costing you valuable Victory Points.  The missions is the same as it was for Balleroy, but I have included it herein anyway. 

 THE BIG PUSH 

YOUR ORDERS

THE ATTACKER: (From General Eisenhower to the American Troops in Normandy) The Allied "Big Push" is underway and your second victory in a row (at Balleroy) should now convince all of you of the righteousness of our cause and that the "Hun" is not invincible. We are now solidly on the road to ultimate victory in Western Europe, however, it will not be a smooth ride. Our enemy is now, given the losses he has recently sustained , even more desperate and tenacious then he was before the battle for Balleroy. And this makes him a more dangerous a foe than he ever has been.  He is not quitting, he is far from demoralized and he is convinced that, in the end, it will be his armies and not ours, that will be the ultimate victors.  He is as determined as ever and will fight with more savage bravado the further back he is pushed. As before, the eyes of the World are upon you and the hopes and prays of liberty loving people everywhere march with you. Go forth, with stout hearts and stay the course. Victory is now within sight.    

THE DEFENDER: (From Generalfeldmarschall Erich von Manstein to the German Troops in Normandy) Soldiers of the Fatherland......Be not dismayed at current events. The hearts and prayers of the German People are with you. The Fuhrer believes in you and your ability to overcome the Allied forces that you now oppose. The Allies, led by the American forces, have more planes, more guns, more men and more panzers (tanks) but but our solders are more determined, our planes and guns far more superior and our panzers are far more powerful. In this you can be assured. Be tenacious and merciless , My Brave Soldiers, in your duty to the Fatherland. A few scant victories in battle will not assure the Americans victory in a war that they know in their hearts they cannot win. You, Soldiers of the Fatherland, will persevere, and ultimately will rise the victor. 

PREPARING FOR BATTLE

1. The Defenders (German) choose which side of the table they wish to defend.

2. Each Attacker (Allied player) places two (2) objectives in the Defenders end of the table. All Objectives are placed within 8" from the edge of the German side of the table and at least 8" inward from each edge of each Defenders Zone of Defense (an area 36" to 48" wide depending on table size and number of players).   

3. Next, each German Defender (player) places any fortifications he has chosen, and paid for out of his allotted 1750 points from his Support options), as desired within his specific deployment (gray) area. Note that deployment area for the Defenders has been modified due to the fact that the tables are only 4 feet deep as opposed to the 6' deep table in the FOW scenario. See Fortifications further down in this "briefing".     

4. Each German Defender (player) must hold at least half of his total force (at least  875 points) in Delayed Reserve at the start of the game. The rest of the platoons are deployed within the Defending Player's Deployment Zone. Delayed Reserves come in, per the normal game rules, but on a 6 rather then 5 on a D6 die. 

5. Each Allied player then deploys his entire force within his Deployment Zone. American Combat Engineers (Support Troops) may be deployed 4" further in from the table edge (up to 16") then other troops but not within 4" of any enemy elements. 

6. Both players now place any of their Independent Teams in their respective deployment areas, starting with the defending player.  

DECIDING THE WINNER

Since this mission for the next battle is being played by multiple opposing players, on divided sections of the game table of a shorter gaming surface, the below adjustments have been made and   applies to each pair of contending players.  Determining the game winner, of the BIG PUSH, scenario remains unchanged from that which is stipulated in the Flames of War Rule Book.   

THE ATTACKER: 

(a) Each attacking Allied player gets wins if he ends his sixth game turn holding either of the two objectives  OR 

(b) Each attacking Allied player starts is portion of game turn six with any of his forces within the Defenders Deployment Zone (Gray Area on Map)   

THE DEFENDER: 

(a) Each defending German wins his portion of the mission if there are no Allied forces within his respective Deployment Zone (Gray Area on Map) at the start of his portion of game turn six.  

DECIDING THE NEXT MISSION

(a) The winning side of the battle determines where the next battle will take place and advances his side closer to his Final Objective and this is the essence of this campaign. However, in order to give each side a chance at determining what scenario will be played next, this will be based on Victory Points or "Battle Points", earned during a specific engagement.  After all, this is a hobby and FUN is the sole purpose for our involvement in this particular past-time. It should be noted that regardless of the mission selected, the winner of the battle will always be the attacker in the next upcoming battle, so we are sort of restrictive on the types of missions that can be selected. 

(b) This is where Victory Points account for something and determines which side will choose the next scenario or mission. This is sort of akin to the Flames of War rules but not completely. Rather than having the side (whether he won or lost the battle) that sustained the least casualties randomly rolling a dice on the Scenario Table, to determine the next mission, some choice is given the players in determining the next mission as opposed to mere "chance".

(c) Here is how it works and it does not totally replace the manner in which the winner of a game is determined but could very well have a major impact on this determination. At the end of the game, which ever pair of opposing players holds an Objective within his specific Zone (table) gets 1 Victory Point. Contested Objectives count as nothing. Further, if, at the end of his 6th game turn, the attacking (Allied) player has any teams in the defenders (German) players Deployment Zone (gray zone the map) he gets 1 Victory Point. If he does not have any teams in that zone, the defending (German) player get 1 Victory Point. This means that each pair of players have the opportunity, at the end of the game, to acquire 3 Victory Points. Then, the total VP's of each side are added together and the side with the most Victory Points, regardless if it won or lost the battle, selects the next mission. This is where Victory Points account for something more than bragging rights.  Remember, following this battle, and the submission of each players respective army list, any changes made to the Core Company portion of list submitted will result in a deduction of 5 VICTORY POINTS per each change to his teams final accumulated VP's following the battle. So be wise before making changes to your submitted list, as it will impact your side ability to have a say in the next mission selection.   

DEFENSES

(a) A word on German defenses (fortifications). We all know by now how it works. Each defending player gets 60 points to "purchase" the fortifications, from his available 1750 points, pursuant to the list on Page 217 in the FOW Rule Book. They may not seem important but based on Balleroy, they are worth the relatively few points. He also gets FREE FORTIFICATIONS as well which are listed on the on that same page.  Each German player should take full advantage of this, and get a much stronger fortified line ready for the next battle. Given the fact that half of each defenders forces are held in Delayed Reserve, and may never get on the table at all, these fortifications are critical and obviously can have a profound impact on the ending results of the battle. The German defending forces have ample time (2 to 3 weeks) to acquire and make ready their defenses prior to the Battle for Torteval-Quesnay. I can assure you that the Allied Company Commanders will happily take full advantage of any lack of German attention regarding this situation.    

(b) Mine fields are 8" long by 2" wide. This is the same size for barbed-wire entanglements and tank traps. I am on contact with Dean at Battlefield Accessories to see if we can get mine fields and barbed wire entanglements that are molded to this (FOW) correct size. Also think TRENCHES. Some are free and other sections are CHEAP. Each section is also 8" long. Get'em while you can!!!!!

THE AFTERMATH

The next battle is for the village of Torteval-Quesnay, the LAST defensive battle before the Allies reach Villers-Bocage, which is their FINAL OBJECTIVE. If the Battle for Villers-Bocage is a victory for the Allies then they WIN the campaign and break out of the dreaded bocage.  I am not showing any special inclination for the "Jerries", but with another Big Push mission coming up next, and looking at the campaign map (on the left) the Germans definitely have their backs to the wall and can ill afford to loose another chunk of real estate.  

THE ALLIES: 

(a) If the Attacker (Allies) win the next battle, the German defenders will be driven out of the village of Torteval-Quesnay and will have to fall back further south, along the Axis of Advance, to their last strong-hold at Villers-Bocage. Incidentally, Villers-Bocage is also the Allied Final Objective in this campaign.

THE GERMANS:

(b) If the Defenders (Germans) win the next battle, the defensive line has held at the village of Torteval-Quesnay and the Allied drive for Villers-Bocage will have been stopped cold. The German side will then assume the role of the Attacker and the Allied side will then be forced to defend. The Germans should then counter-attack in an attempt to drive the now defending Allied forces out of Torteval-Quesnay and back toward Balleroy.   

CRITICAL OUTCOME:

(c) Obviously for the Germans, "holding the defensive line" at the village of Torteval-Quesnay, the third battle of the campaign, is critical to say the least. If this does not happen and the Allies get to Villers-Bocage, things will get "testy" at best. If an Allied victory occurs at Villers-Bocage it will be immediately followed by a massive drive eastward, over open country and an attempt to liberate Paris, and eventually, all of France, will result.  The news, I am sure, will not be warmly received from the current resident of the "Wolfsschanze" (Wolf's Lair).

 

Future missions will be available in a PDF file by clicking on the below icon.

                                                        

           

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