Operation Cygnet - Campaign Moves - Day Two (Part II)

As the Fallschirmjager spoiling attack from Wuppertell towards 'D' Coy SLI came to a close, with them falling back to the comparative safety of the village, moves were already afoot elsewhere for another attack.

Campaign Moves - Day Two - Turn 3. Weather Fair.

The remnants of the 1st Recce Sqdn could only look on as the FJ fell back into Wuppertell, whilst 'D' Coy took stock of their positions and were glad of the support of the AVREs. With the Germans moving more units towards Club Route, it was decided that an attack to try and force the bridge to the South of Pemba, which was defended by a Heer Kompanie and a Stug III Kompanie was worth the risk, before the German defensive crust could harden. 'A' & 'B' Coys with their Shermans in support, would attack from across the river, whilst 'C' Coy would attack the German positions in the flank. The 3rd Recce Sqdn would hold their positions South of the bridge in 4 and to cover their rear if required.

Fortunately British reinforcements were on their way, in the form of an additional Artillery Battery, a Squadron of Cromwells and one of Churchills. Heavier Air Support would possibly be available on Day Three, plus some US Airborne troops had been put on standby in case they were needed at short notice. 

For the Germans, although the FJ spoiling attack had had heavier losses than hoped for, they had managed to slow down the British troops moving along Club Route. Reinforcements were on their way and had arrived at 6, 15 & 16, although their exact formation was as yet unknown. A unit moved into 7 to support the Volkssturm, who were still being observed by the British 2nd Recce Sqdn. The remnants of 1st FJ Kompanie moved into 15 to try and link up with the new arrived unit there. From Pemba, the blank unit revealed itself and turned out to be an understrength PzIV Kompanie and moved towards the Heer and Stug III Kompanies, whilst the Artillery Battery in Pemba prepared to provide support.

Day Two - Turn 3.

The British Reserves being to move up Club route, with the Churchills moving towards Wuppertell and the 1st Recce Sqdn, whilst the Cromwells and Artillery aimed for 'D' Coy.

Forces converge for the attack towards and defence of the bridge in 8.

The 1st FJ move to link up with the unknown unit in 15, which could prove a problem for the British positions along Club Route.

Campaign Thoughts

From my perspective things are ticking along rather nicely campaign wise, with yet again some interesting decisions to be made, mostly by the British. I spent some time deciding as to whether 'A' & 'B' Coys should attack towards the bridge, with 'C' Coy in support. I decided upon reflection that it was better to attack now before more German units closed in on Club Route and Pemba itself.

The scenario itself should be interesting, as the British will be without their CO and Artillery for a few Turns, due to their recent involvement in fending off the FJ attacks on 'D' Coys positions. They however have some advantage of the high ground in front of the river, so they can see the German positions, plus the have some Air Support available as well as 'C' Coy making an attack towards the Germans left flank. The Germans hope that they can hang on long enough for the PzIV Kompanie to arrive to help offset the British advantage in armour. They also have artillery support, limited thought it might be, from the off.

With luck this will be played out over the weekend, but a nice spell of weather is forecast which might mean we get out of the house and into the countryside for the first time in a few weeks after the dreadful weather of late.

So until next time stay safe and keep healthy.