Retreat to Ranville

We managed to fight two scenarios out of the Von Luck campaign today.

The first one is in open farm land and the British are defending this end of the table. Jump off points are in position here after tyne Patrol Phase which marked out "no mans land"

With the British hunkered down, German Panzer grenadiers with their MG42s move forwards carefully

This unit has a tactical marker showing they are making use of what cover there is

Whilst one further back is on overwatch, looking for any enemy to fire at

Knowing how lethal those MG42s are, the lightly armed British paratroopers cannot afford to take risks

A German forward observation officer is accompanying one unit to call down heavy mortar fire should the chance come.

A bren gun tram has been hidden and now ambushes a German unit

Shooting across the road at them

Not much damage done though and the Paras escape

The Germans are pushing on across the fields

One British section does open fire but the return fire soon breaks them up

Despite some shock, the Germans keep coming

The British commander orders a general withdrawal as the Germans reach where the British positions had been

He has to try and save men for the future

Having retreated to the outskirts of Bas de Ranville, the Paras take up positions behind cover

Can they do better this time ?

Confident German troops advance through the orchards

as Half Tracks are heard coming down the road.

A British sniper surprises a machine gun team with accurate fire

Where did that shot come from ?

The MGs on the front of the Half tracks concentrate on a Bren team which fired from upstairs in a building

The infantry have stalled for a moment having taken some casualties

But the British lose then Bren team in the house and another section behind walls so the men are ordered back yet again.

German firepower is ruling the battlefield.

A RN liaison officer manages to get offshore naval gunfire onto the German positions preventing a further push against Ranville for now.

As a result we skip Scenario 3 and will fight No.4 next time.

The lightly armed Paras are having a tough time of it and their casualties are far more than the Germans.

What can they do ?

Find out next time ...