Post by SfcMigs on Dec 7, 2015 19:54:54 GMT -5
I'm very happy to say that this event was a resounding success.
To start off with, the field is terrific. Plenty of obstacles, foot bridges, structures, bunkers, water hazards and so forth. We didn't even utilize 1/3 of the field, but that determination was based on our numbers and keeping the flow of action very active.
Each sides CO's and myself came up with the battle scenarios to try and keep it under the historical reference we have on the Battle of Aachen.
First engagement was a bridge crossing over a small creek. This represented a river crossing between Belgium and the Netherlands. The Germans were dug in on their side of the creek and their objective was to defend at all cost. U.S forces were split into 4 squads. Two squads would provide suppressing fire on the main German defenses in the center of their lines while the other two squads would hook right and left. While the U.S forces did suffer several KIA's, first squad led by Company First Sgt. Migs found an alternative crossing unguarded by German forces. First squad managed to outflank the Germans and attack them from the rear with superior fire and grenade kills. While first squad took out most of their defenses their was still two Germans dug in and unable to reach with gun fire. In a coordinated attack, Sgt Dean Migs was able to sprint across the Bridge and lob a pitch perfect grenade toss right into the German bunker. Great ending to great first battle.
The second scenario was for the U.S forces to defend the area against counter-attack. While the Germans seemed to suffer KIA after KIA, two Germans manage to go wide right and out flank the U.S forces. Once at the bridge, the German CO declared victory for his side and the fighting stopped. Most U.S forces felt that even though we gave up the bridge, we had won the battle over the shear carnage imposed on the German forces.
The 3rd scenario was a down pilot mission with both sides having their share of the pilot. At first GI forces acquired the pilot, but during their return to our lines, they were killed. The Pilot was spared by the attacking German and was carried away. Unfortunately for him, the German was shot in the back and the Pilot was re-acquired by U.S. forces. Mission over.
Now it was time for the assault on Aachen. U.S forces were once again split into squads attacking from both the front, right and left flanks. There was plenty of KIA GI's but after 30 minutes or so, U.S. forces managed to enter the city and control most of the area. There was still a sniper in the rear of the town and possibly a German or two also under cover when the 1 hour time limit expired. Most U.S forces felt that we took the town and would have eventually cleared it. We would have had to go building to building and kill the remaining sniper and other stragglers, which didn't seem to be out of the question.
The fifth scenario was more of the same type of battle, but there were strict rules limiting the Allies approach to the town. The allies had to do either a frontal assault thru the "Pit" area or from the road. They could only deviate 15 feet on either side, thus creating a very limited maneuvered attack option. Once again KIA's were high, but the relentless fighting spirit of the Americans prevailed. It was during this scenario that the most memorable "kills" occurred. First there was a amazing grenade charge by Lt. "call me Spears" Brownien taking out the German MG. Then Sgt Dean had a great grenade kill as he was on the ground floor of the "tower" and noticed a German sniper on the second floor. He merely slide his Grenade across the floor from the staircase at the Krauts feet to a great and thunderous kill. Once in the town, U.S. forces were advancing in coordinated attack modes and were clearing out the Krauts building by building. My favorite moment occurred as I was about 60 feet and two buildings away from the German CO (Intersburger) when I lobbed a perfect toss right through the roof and sent the German CO to his maker. After that, there seem to be one desperate suicide charge after another with great kills and acting. Great job by everyone!
But what I feel made this event a great one was not the fun battle scenarios that we had, or even the excellent field that we just uncovered. It was the people that attended. Always great to see the usual faces, but we met some great new players that really seemed to enjoy themselves and really added a lot to our hobby. Everyone stated that they will all try and make the next one and try their best to bring some friends with them.
The head count was 19 for this one. We had 10 U.S, 7 Germans and two role players. Hopefully we will have a lot more for the next one.
I would be remiss if not to thank the following members for their contributions. To Nate for all his help in co-hosting this event with me. Always a pleasure working with Nate and I always look forward to working with him.
Secondly, a big thank you to Mark (Intersburger) for his loaner gear, being the German CO and just his presence at these events. He has a great sense of sportsmanship and historical knowledge that adds so much to these events.
A big thanks to Omego for all the props and special effects he brought. Truly a nice guy and looking forward to playing with him in the future.
Then there is Jerry for all the gear and camping equipment he brought. Thanks Jerry. I also can not forget my favorite couple in Tracy and Alucard. Thanks for bringing the loaner gear and a big thanks to tract for the cooking and the cookies!
So a big thank you to all that attended and hope to see you all and more for our next event sometime in late March or early April.
Happy Holidays.
Migs