Note to Miniature Wargamers
These scenarios are designed for rulesets that emphasize the operational art, such as “Kampfgruppe Commander” and “Command Decision. The scales of play are division-sized with platoon-sized stands at a scale of 1:235 with 6mm model buildings and terrain. The company is the primary combat element and the battalion is the primary maneuver element. At a scale of one inch on the table representing 100 yards, a gaming table of at least 12 by 6 feet is required to provide the required battlefield of approximately 8 by 4 miles. One turn is the equivalent of about one hour, with each side allotted an interactive round in which it has the initiative.
Historical Background
The US Third Army crossed the Moselle River at several points in early September 1944. In the south, XII Corps crossed above and below Nancy with the intent of encircling that city. In the north, XX Corps likewise planned crossings on both sides of Metz, leading to the encirclement of that ancient fortified city. This scenario covers XX Corps’ southern crossing at Arnaville by the 5th Infantry Division with the Combat Command B/7th Armored Division (CCB/7th Armored Division) attached. Elements of both divisions initially made an uncoordinated, hasty crossing north of Arnaville at Dornot, which ultimately proved a failure but distracted enemy attention for an important period of time that directly supported the successful establishment of a bridgehead opposite Arnaville. From this bridgehead and another later established downstream north of Thionville, the XX Corps eventually encircled and took Metz before advancing east to the River Saar.
References
Two US Army official histories are the best references on the Arnaville Bridgehead. Hugh M. Cole’s The Lorraine Campaign, published by the US Army Center for Military History in 1951, was the first volume published on the US Army in World War II European Theater of Operations series. It is readily accessible online. Although the events depicted on Map II Reaching the Moselle South of Metz, 6-7 September 1944 pre-date this scenario, it is the best reference for sizing and orienting the wargaming table and is reproduced here. The scenario battlefield is bounded by the pink arrows.
Three Battles: Arnaville, Altuzzo, and Schmidt, authored by Charles B. MacDonald and Sidney T. Mathews and published by the US Army Center for Military History in 1951, provides detailed coverage of the Arnaville Bridgehead. It is also readily accessible online. This US Army “Special Study” includes the following very helpful maps: Map 2. Crossing at Arnaville, 10 September 1944; Map 3. Arnaville Bridgehead 11 September 1944; Map 5 Bridging the Moselle, 11-14 September 1944; Map 6. German Counterattack, 12 September 1944; and Map 7 Expanding the Bridgehead: Attack of 15 September 1944. This highly informative study provides great detail on engineering operations to include use of smoke to conceal bridge construction.
US Army Order of Battle
A very detailed US Army Order of Battle for the 5th Infantry Division, and the attached CCB/5th Armored Division, 1103rd Engineer Combat Group, smoke generator company, reconnaissance troop, anti-aircraft and field artillery battalions, and tank and tank destroyers battalions is provided in Three Battles. Also included is a listing of the XX Corps General Support field artillery groups that identifies subordinate battalions and their type of howitzer or gun. All US units are at or close to their authorized manpower and material levels. US Air Support: XIX Tactical Air Command (elements) — 405th, 406th, and 511th Fighter-Bomber Group (P-47).
German Order of Battle
German First Army (General der Panzertruppen Otto von Knobelsdorff).
XIII SS Corps (Generalleutenant der Waffen SS Herman Priess).
Note: Kampfgruppen (battlegroups) from these divisions were committed. However, none of the divisions were committed in their entirety. Most were below their authorized manpower and equipment authorizations.
The unique identities of their regiment and battalion levels are not always known. This is particularly the case for elements of 3. and 15. Panzergrenadier Divisions and German division and corps level artillery and flak.
3. Panzergrenadier Division — (Generalleutnant Walter Denkert): Panzergrenadier Regiment 8 — Command; Recon Motorcycle; PAK 40; Three Panzergrenadier Battalions; Pionier Company; Infantry Gun Company; and Anti-Aircraft Gun Company (SP 2cm); Panzergrenadier Regiment 29 — same as previous; Panzer Abteilung 103 (equipped with Mark IVH — three companies; Panzer Aufklärungs Abteilung — Command; Scout Car Company; Three Motorcycle Recon Companies; and Heavy Company (PAK40, Infantry Gun, Flamethrower); Panzer. Artillerie Regiment 3 — I and II Battalions (three batteries each of four 10.5cm Howitzers) and III Battalion (three batteries each of four 15cm Howitzers); Flak Abteilung 103 — two Heavy Batteries (three four-gun 88mm batteries) and one Light Battery (three 2cm); Pionier Bataillon 3 — three Pionier Companies and one Bridging Company; and Panzerjäger Abteilung 3 — three Assault Gun Companies.
15. Panzergrenadier Division — (Oberst Karl-Theodor Simon) TO&E as above unless otherwise noted: Panzergrenadier Regiment 104; Panzergrenadier Regiment 115; Panzer Artillerie Regiment; Panzer Aufklärungs Abteilung 115; Flak Abteilung 315; Panzerjäger Abteilung 33 (equipped with Jagdpanzer IV); and Panzer Pionier Bataillon 33.
17. SS Panzergrenadier Division — (SS-Standartenführer Thomas Müller). As above unless otherwise noted: SS Panzergrenadier Regiment 37; SS Panzergrenadier Regiment 38; SS Panzer Abteilung 17 (equipped with Jagdpanzer IV); SS Artillerie Regiment 17; SS Panzerjäger Abteilung 17 (equipped with Jagdpanzer IV); SS Flak Abteilung 17. SS Sturmgeshügtz Abteiling 17 (equipped with STuG III or IV); SS Panzer Aufklärungs Abteilung 17; and SS Panzer Pionier Bataillon 17
406. Division (Generalleutenant Walther Krause): Fahnennunkerschule Regiment — 1,800 strong;
— Unterführerschule Regiment — 1,500 strong with one artillery battery; Security Regiment 1010 — 600 men organized into six companies; an SS Signals Training Battalion; two infantry replacement battalions; one fortress machine gun company; one pionier battalion; one or two flak battalions; and one artillery battalion
General Support Artillery: Fort Driant — two four-gun 10cm Howitzer batteries and one six-gun 15cm Howitzer battery; impervious to US artillery and air strikes due to its concrete and steel protection. Eisenbahn Artillerie Abteilung — two two-gun 28cm railway Gun Battery; and SS Corps Artillery Battalion 113 — Twelve 17cm guns (Three Batteries)
Size and Orientation of the Battlefield
At the scale one inch representing 100 yards, the battlefield marked above on Map II requires a gaming table of six by seven feet.
Replicating the Battlefield
The Moselle The Moselle is about 100 yards wide, six to eight feet deep, and fast moving with muddy banks. Approximately 500 yards of flat, open marshland line much of both banks. There was no bridge here and extensive engineering preparations were required before construction of tactical bridges could commence. This included first bridging the Rupt de Mad, which flows through Arnaville in a narrow valley, and a canal paralleling the west bank of the Moselle, as well as overcoming at the embankment of a railway line. The distance between the canal and Moselle bridge sites is about 200 yards. Note that a canal west of the river’s channel is located between Novéant and the southern entry point of the Moselle.
High Ground Hills 303 and 301, located respectively north and south of Arnaville, provide vantage points for US observation of the higher terrain east of the river, as well as positions from which direct fire can cover the low land immediately east of the river. As the crest for both of these hills is approximately 50 yards west of the Moselle, both are off the table and special allowance must be made for American observation and fire from both hills.
A series of higher hills on the eastern side of the Moselle dominates the marshland on both banks, Dornot, Arnaville, the American crossing points, and Hills 303 and 301. From north to south they are are Côte de Faye/Hill 325 (marked on US maps as wooded, but actually completely open), Hills 370 and 369 in the Bois de Gaumont, Hill 386 in the Bois de Anneaux, and Hill 396 about 1,000 yards to the east of Hill 386. These hills also dominate the ground to the east which gently descends into rolling farmland and woods. Located about 2,000 yards to the east of this line of hills, the ground begins to form a north-south running ridge upon which sits the villages of Fey, Vezon, and Marieulles. This is referred to as the Second Ridge.
The terrain between Côte-de-Faye/Hill 325 and Group Fortifié Verdun is high ground covered by farmland, woods, and occasional small settlements.
Group Fortifié Verdun Located in the northeast corner of the battlefield are Forts Saint-Blaise and Sommy of Group Fortifié Verdun (GF Verdun). Built by the Germans between 1899 and 1905, these forts were part of the Moselstellung series comprised of eleven fortress groups, sixteen smaller infantry strongpoints, detached individual gun batteries, and hundreds of small bunkers built among the hills and ridges surrounding Metz and Thionville. GF Verdun was occupied by the Germans and lacked functioning artillery at the time of the American crossing of the Moselle. However, both served as observation points and infantry strongpoints. Forts Saint-Blaise and Sommy were surrounded by barbed wire. These impressive works proved surprisingly impervious to fighter-bomber delivered strikes and 8-inch and 240mm howitzer fire.
Roads Hard-surfaced north-south roads parallel the Moselle on both banks. On the east bank, another hard-surfaced road branches from the river road at Corny-sur-Seulles and continues east to the village of Fey, which is located about 3,600 yards from Corny-sur-Moselle. The river road passes the Voisage Farm, located southeast of Arnaville on the east bank. A path extends west from the farm, through the marshland, to the river where the Americans constructed tactical bridges. The paved river road continues south past the farm. A secondary road extends about 300 yards east from the farm before making a sharp turn southwest, then southeast, for another 1,300 yards to the village of Arry, about 900 yards southwest of Hill 386 at the southern end of ridge on the eastern bank. Paved roads extend southwest from Arry to the river road and east to Lorry.
From the point where the secondary road from the Voisage Farm turns south, an unpaved road leads through a draw between the Bois de Gaumont and Bois de Anneaux and, eventually, to the slopes gradually descending east. Control of this path proved critical in the battle.
An unpaved road continues past the Underground Barracks, running north, then east to a point near Verzon, where it joins a paved, north-south road that passes through Fey, Vezon, and Marieulles before ending in a T-intersection with an east-west road that passes through Lorry.
Railway Line A railway line on the west bank runs parallel to the river. Treat this line as an embankment that blocks line of sight and imposes movement penalties for foot and vehicle stands.
Underground Barracks Complex A draw located west of Vezon concealed a fortified Underground Barracks that dated to WWI. Up to one German infantry company may be concealed in this complex. Its existence was not known to the Americans. When they discovered it, it proved virtually impervious to even 8-inch and 240mm howitzer fire.
Unimproved Ford A ford is located directly west of Hill 370 and just under halfway between Novéant and Arnaville. However, it requires engineer improvements before it may be used by both personnel and vehicles.
Basic Gaming Information
Type of Scenario Assault across a lightly held waterway and the establishment of a secure bridgehead.
Special Requirements Ruleset that addresses assault crossing by small boats, reinforcement of the bridgehead by rafts, and the preparation of banks for and construction of tactical bridgeheads.
Scenario Duration The battle begins with the 8 September/0000 turn and ends on the 16 September/0000 turn.
Victory Conditions
American Decisive Victory — At least one Task Force of CCB/7th Armored Division exits the battlefield at Fey or Lorry with an open Line of Communication before the scenario end date and time.
American Marginal Victory — The 5th Infantry Division has a firm footing on the second ridge line to include possession of any three of the following second ridge villages: Fey, Verzon, Marieulles, or Lorry.
Draw — The 5th Infantry Division retains a solid bridgehead from Corny to Arry to include at least one operational heavy bridge.
German Marginal Victory — The Germans retain possession of all the villages on the second ridge.
German Decisive Victory — The Germans have observation of the bridge site allowing for the accurate direction of indirect artillery fire.
Special Scenario Rules
Dornot Crossing The 2/11th Infantry must assault across the Moselle at Dornot at 1100 on 8 September, and advance toward the high ground upon which, unknown to the Americans, sits GF Verdun. Available to support this operation were the 105mm howitzers of the 9th and 46th Field Artillery Battalions and the 434th Armored Field Artillery Battalion; the 155mm howitzers of the 21st Field Artillery Battalion; the 155mm guns of the 558th Field Artillery Battalion. The bridgehead that was established was evacuated on the night of 10/11 September.
Weather The weather is overcast for the duration of the scenario, making US air support uncertain.
Ground Conditions The ground condition becomes Light Mud starting at midnight on 12 September. This impacts cross-country movement for both sides. However, the chance of vehicles becoming mired off-roads is low.
US Lack of Intelligence Information The Americans are unaware of the existence of the Group Fortifié Verdun and the Underground Barracks Complex until they are within Sighting Distance.
German Fortification Defense Values Three forts played important roles in the fighting at Arnaville. Fort Driant (known to the Germans as Feste Kronprinz) was armed with a battery of six 15cm howitzers and two batteries, each of four 10cm howitzers, all mounted in individual steel turrets. These weapons were operational and continued firing with great effect even while the fort was under constant bombardment and occasional infantry attacks. The Americans are aware of the existence of this fort. Forts Saint-Blaise and Sommy of Group Fortifié Verdun serve as German observation posts and infantry strongpoints. The existence of these two forts and the Underground Barracks Complex near Vezon are initially not known to the Americans. Assign defensive values to these fortifications relative other defense values of the ruleset being used.
Battlefield Obstacles The Germans may emplace minefields and barbed wire at only Forts Sommy and Saint-Blaise prior to the start of play. However, after the start of play, they may emplace minefields, barbed wire, and roadblocks to a limited extent. The American may make only very limited use of battlefield obstacles.
German Indirect Artillery Fire The three batteries (two 10cm and one 15cm) of Fort Driant may bombard the American bridge construction sites as long these are unobscured by smoke. These batteries may not be used against any other targets. Fort Driant is subject to counter-battery fire and must be given a strong defense value. None of these are available under the Free Play option until the historical date and time at which all US bridges have been completed.
A railway artillery battalion (Eisenbahn Artillerie Abteilung) of two 28cm batteries may also fire at the American bridge construction sites as long they are unobscured by smoke. The batteries are vulnerable to counter-battery fire, but given their mobility should have moderate defense values.
Other German Indirect Artillery Formations and Batteries may fire at the bridge construction sites only if they have direct observation of them. They are subject to counter-battery fire.
German Indirect Fire against the Bridgehead in the Historical Scenario Only
German General Support Artillery may not fire on the bridge construction sites during the following times when the US chemical smoke screen was particularly effective: 10 September — 0600 to 1000 and 1200 to 1700; 11 September — 0600 to 0900 and 1000 to 2000; and 12 September — 0600 to 1200.
German Initial Forces 462. Division under XIII SS Corps was formed specifically to defend the city of Metz and obtained most its personnel from the numerous training and hospital facilities in that city. Two of its battalions are available at the start of the scenario. Both were intended to provide a tripwire defense and are organized as an infantry battalion, but equipped with only light anti-tank weapons and 80mm mortars. SS Signal School Metz, also known as Bataillon Berg, held the area between Jouy-aux-Arches and Forts Saint-Blaise and Samy. It would be absorbed by 17. SS Panzer Grenadier Division when elements of that formation arrived on the battlefield. Infanterie Ausbildung and Ersatz Bataillon (Infantry Training and Replacement) Battalion 282, also known as Bataillon Voss, held the area between Corny and the Voisage Farm (exclusive). This battalion would be absorbed by 3. Panzer Grenadier Division when elements of that formation arrived on the battlefield.
German Reinforcements Elements of 3. and 15., and 17. SS Panzergrenadier Division react to the American crossing. (See German Commander’s Briefing for details.)
German Reinforcement Entry Points A kampfgruppe built around II/SS Panzergrenadier Regiment 37 from 17. SS Panzergrenadier Division enters the battlefield at Jouy-aux-Arches and Augny. A kampfgruppe built around Regiment 8 of 3. Panzergrenadier Division enters the battlefield at Fey and Marieulles.
US Artillery Availability Given that the Third Army was operating under serious logistical constraints, including artillery ammunition, players should limit the number of fire missions that may be conducted per turn and/or per day. The two assault Regimental Combat Teams (RCTs) each have one 105mm Howitzer Field Artillery Battalion and their Cannon Company in Direct Support, with the Divisional Artillery’s 155mm Field Artillery Battalion in General Support. The attached 284th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm howitzers) may be also be assigned to either Direct or General Support, as may CCB’s 434th Armored Field Artillery Battalion. The 5th and 33rd Field Artillery Group is available for General Support or Counterbattery Fire at the start of both scenarios. The 204th Field Artillery Group also becomes available for General Support on 13 September/0100.
US Historical Airstrike Availability The following US air strikes must be used against Arry until that town is held by the Americans. Once Arry is in US hands, the strikes may be made elsewhere.
10 September/1300 — Four P-47 flights of the 406th Fighter-Bomber Group.
10 September/1800 — Two P-47 flights of the 405th Fighter-Bomber Group.
11 September/1800 — Six P-47 flights of the 512th Fighter-Bomber Group.
In addition, during the daylight turns of 12 September, two strikes of two P-47 flights each may be made against any target. However, there must be a gap of at least two hours between the air strikes.
US Tactical Bridge Construction Players may use the historical bridging completion dates and times, which reduces the need for special engineering rules, or preferred assault waterway crossing engineering rules including tactical bridge construction. Both the canal and the river must be bridged. Historically, the completion of the tactical bridges occurred as follows:
Canal Bridges:
11 September/0001 and 0200 — Treadway Bridges across the lock leading to both Moselle Bridge Sites.
14 September/1830 — A Bailey Bridge about 450 yards upstream (south) across the canal leading to the Heavy Ponton Bridge at at Site 1.
River Bridges:
12 September/1230 — Heavy Treadway Bridge (Site 2).
14 September/1700 for Heavy Pontoon Bridge (Site 1).
Additional river crossing capability available as follows:
11 September/0000 — Raft ferries with priority use going to 57mm anti-tank guns.
12 September/0400 — The ford southwest of Arnaville with priority use going to tanks and tank destroyers. If the historical bridge completion alternative is followed, reduce the German indirect fire capability by one-half until all bridges are operational.
Under the free play option, the US commander will have to follow detailed engineering rules for an assault waterway crossing and tactical bridge construction. The primary variable in this option is German indirect fire on engineer sites. However, the 7th Engineer Combat Battalion must be used primarily to support the assault crossings and ferry operations; the 998th Engineer Treadway Bridge Company must construct the Treadway Bridge at Site 2; and the 551st Engineer Heavy Pontoon Battalion must construct the heavy pontoon bridge at Site 1. Other use of the 1103rd Engineer Group is discretionary.
Employment of 2nd Regimental Combat Team This Regimental Combat Team was initially tasked with attacking Metz directly from the west and reducing the German bridgehead there centered upon Forts Driant, Marival, and Jeanne d’Arc. On 14 September, XX Corps began replacing it and the RCT began moving into the Arnaville Bridgehead on 16 September.
US Infantry Replacements Three hundred Infantry Replacements become available on the 13 September/1200 American Round. These may be used to replace losses among any unengaged infantry formations of the 5th Infantry Division.
US Commander’s Briefing
Situation Third Army is advancing against light opposition toward the Moselle with the intermediate objective being the River Saar and the final objective being the west bank of the Rhine. The XX Corps in the left (north) wing is tasked with the encirclement and masking of Metz while the main part of the corps continues toward the east and Germany. Maintaining a steady, rapid pace of advance is essential for success.
Intelligence Estimate The enemy is believed to be rapidly withdrawing to the Westwall and is not expected to make a major stand along the Moselle. Presently, only remnants of battered enemy formations have been identified. However, these forces will demolish all bridges and conduct a delaying action along the river, while possibly leaving a force inside the Metz fortifications, for which there is little information, to deny us the road and rail network for as along as possible. Most significantly, the leading elements of 17. SS Panzergrenadier Division are arriving in sector with elements of perhaps two more panzer or panzergrenadier divisions enroute.
Weather The forecast is for overcast skies, thereby limiting air support. Ground conditions are expected to remain dry and capable of sustaining cross-country armored advance for at least several days.
Mission The 5th Infantry Division (reinforced) with CCB/7th Armored Division makes rapid crossings of the Moselle in the Dornot to Arnaville sector and isolates Metz by linking up with the 90th Infantry Division east of Metz, while 7th Armored Division advances to the River Saar.
Concept of Operations The 5th Infantry Division strikes across the canal with the 10th and 11th RCTs, establishing bridgeheads through which the attached CCB/7th Armored Division will sustain the pace of advance to keep the enemy off-balance. Meanwhile, the 5th RCT will reduce Fort Driant and enemy forces west of the Moselle opposite Metz, maintain contact with the 90th Infantry Division on the left (north). From the bridgehead, The 11th RCT east of the river will push east and north to link up with elements of the 90th Infantry Division east of Metz, while the 10th RCT makes contact with elements of XII Corps to the right (south) and the attached CCB/7th Armored Division drives east toward the Saar, the Westwall, and Germany.
Initial Forces for Historical Scenario
Supporting assets of 11 RCT must be positioned near Dornot to support the 2/11th Infantry’s assault crossing. Supporting assets of 10 RCT must be positioned near Arnaville. CCB/7th Armored Division is not initially deployed on the battlefield and is located to the west of Dornot and Arnaville.
The 2nd RCT does not become available until 16 September when it begins entering the Arnaville Bridgehead.
Historical Reinforcements and River Crossing Opportunities
10 September/0100 — The 1/10th Infantry (less organic and attached anti-tank platoons) becomes available on the west bank below Arnaville. Direct Support Artillery — 46th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm Howitzer) and 10th Cannon Company (M-3 105mm Cannon).
10 September/0400 — The 2/10th Infantry (less organic and attached anti-tank platoons) becomes available in bridgehead. Direct Support Artillery — 284th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm).
10 September/1700 — The 3/10th Infantry (less L and M Companies, as well as organic and attached anti-tank platoons) becomes available in the bridgehead. The remainder of battalion is positioned along Moselle west bank for fire support. Direct Support Artillery — 695th Armored Field Artillery Battalion.
10 September/1900 — Remainder of the 3/10th Infantry (less integral and attached anti-tank platoons) becomes available in the bridgehead.
10 September/2300 — The 10th RCT regimental and battalion anti-tank platoons may begin being ferried across by raft.
11 September/0800 — The 3/11th Infantry (less I and K Companies, plus B/11th Infantry) are attached to the 10th RCT in the bridgehead. Direct Support Artillery — 274th Armored Field Artillery Battalion.
12 September/0400 – The Ford becomes usable by the 10th RCT’s attached elements of 735th Tank and 818th Tank Destroyer Battalions.
12 September/1200 or upon completion of the Treadway Bridge — The bridge becomes usable to the 10th RCT assets.
No sooner than 12 September/1300 or upon the completion of crossing by all 10th RCT elements, CCB may begin crossing the Heavy Treadway Bridge.
13 September/0100 — XX Corps dedicates the 204th Field Artillery Group to General Support of the bridgehead.
13 September/1200 — Three hundred infantry replacements arrive in the bridgehead. This is equivalent to 6 platoons.
14 September/1200 — The Heavy Pontoon Bridge becomes available.
16 September/0000 — The 2nd RCT begins crossing into the Arnaville Bridgehead.
US Free Play Initial Forces and Reinforcements These are dependent upon the outcome of the assault crossing, extent of the bridgehead established, and the time required for employing tactical bridges.
US General Support Artillery for Historical and Free Play Scenarios
Headquarters XX Corps Artillery — Veteran
5th Field Artillery Group — 274th and 695th Armored Field Artillery Battalions (105mm Howitzers Self-Propelled) and 558th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm Gun Self-Propelled).
204th Field Artillery Group — 177th and 943rd Field Artillery Battalions (155mm Howitzers) and 773rd Field Artillery Battalion (4.5-Inch Gun). Not available until 13 September/0100).
33rd Field Artillery Brigade — 739th and 999th Field Artillery Battalions (8-Inch Howitzer); 989th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm Gun); and 270th and 277th Field Artillery Battalions (240mm Howitzer).
XIX Tactical Air Command (elements) — Veteran
405th Fighter-Bomber Group (P-47)
406th Fighter-Bomber Group (P-47)
512th Fighter-Bomber Group (P-47)
US Engineer Support for Historical Scenario
Engineer Unit Assignments are built into the game and needs no further action.
Completion of the tactical bridges occurs as follows:
— 12 September/1200 for Heavy Treadway Bridge (Site 2)
— 14 September/1700 for Heavy Pontoon Bridge (Site 1).
Additional river crossing capability becomes available as follows:
— 11 September/0000 — Raft ferries with priority use going to 57mm anti-tank guns.
— 12 September/0400 — Ford southwest of Arnaville with priority to tanks and tank destroyers.
US Engineer Support for the Free Play Scenario
The US may emplace up to two heavy treadway pontoon bridges and, during their construction, may move one tank or tank destroyer platoon, across the river on pontoon. In addition, battalion anti-tank gun platoons may be moved in a similar manner, with two platoons moving across per hour.
The 7th Engineer Combat Battalion must be used primarily to support the assault boat crossings with infantry and, later, ferry operations.
The 998th Engineer Treadway Bridge Company must construct the Treadway Bridge at Site 2.
The 551st Engineer Heavy Pontoon Battalion must construct the heavy pontoon bridge at Site 1.
Use of the other 1103rd Engineer Group components must be determined by the American commander. These are 150th, 160th, and 204th Engineer Combat Battalions; 537th Light Ponton Company; and the 84th Chemical (Smoke Generator) Company.
German Commander’s Briefing
Situation The advance by the US Third Army poses the most immediate ground threat to the security of the Reich as it is moving rapidly toward the Saar industrial region. Although only a fragmented defense remains before the enemy, considerable reinforcements are enroute and a large scale panzer counterattack to smash Third Army is being planned. Therefore, the Führer has ordered that the Metz-Thionville area, including key ground west of the Moselle, will be held at all cost to allow for this counteroffensive to be launched.
Intelligence Assessment The enemy is advancing on a broad front and has no identifiable main effort. In addition to dissipating his strength, this strategy provides an opportunity to defeat his divisions and corps in detail. Nonetheless, the enemy’s formations are nearly up to full strength, have strong armor and artillery, and have the added advantage of air support.
Weather The weather will enable the enemy to make effective use of his tactical airpower.
Mission Conduct an aggressive defense along both banks of the Moselle, making use of panzer counterattacks that will halt the enemy’s advance before or at the river line.
Concept of Operations Conduct a mobile defense with an economy of force while taking advantage of favorable terrain and fortification. Establish defenses-in-depth along likely enemy axes of advance and deny the enemy use of bridges and the road network. Avoid enemy air and artillery firepower by undertaking movement during hours of darkness.
Initial Forces Initially, two ad hoc German formations provided a tripwire defense along the east bank. Both were battalion-sized formations with machine guns and medium mortars, but nothing larger in immediate support. The 406. Division’s Infantry Training and Replacement Battalion, Infanterie Ausbildungs and Ersatz Bataillon 282 — also known as Voss Abteilung.
German Reinforcements
Kampfgruppe based on Panzergrenadier Regiment 8 (3. Panzergrenadier Division) — This division recently from Italy and is rated Veteran. The core of the kampfgruppe is provided by II/Panzergrenadier Regiment 8. One panzergrenadier kompanie and an attached Mk IVH panzer platoon is located at Arry. The remainder of the abteilung and attached panzer company plus one 2cm flak battery, are located at Marieulles. Direct Support Artillery — I/Panzer Artillerie Regiment 3 (three 10.5cm batteries).
On the turn after US forces come within 2400 yards of GF Verdun — II/SS Panzergrenadier Regiment 37 (17. SS Panzergrenadier Division) occupies Forts Saint-Blaise and Sommy. Direct Support Artillery — I/SS Artillerie Regiment (three 10.5cm howitzer batteries).
11 September/0100 — Kampfgruppe based on Panzergrenadier Regiment 115 of 15. Panzergrenadier Division) — This division recently arrived in Lorraine from Italy and is rated veteran. Arrives at Verzon. Composition — I/Panzergrenadier Regiment 115; 1/Panzerjäger Abteilung; and 3.7cm flak platoon. Direct Support Artillery — II/Panzer Artillerie Regiment 3 (three 10.5cm howitzer batteries).
12 September/0100 — Headquarters SS Panzergrenadier Regiment 37 and Kampfgruppe based on SS Panzergrenadier Regiment 37 — I/SS Panzergrenadier Regiment 37; 2/SS Sturmgeschütz Abteilung 33; 3.7cm flak platoon; and Bison platoon. Direct Support Artillery — I/SS Artillerie Regiment (three 10.5cm Howitzer batteries). General Support Artillerie — III/ Panzer Artillerie Regiment (three 15cm Howitzer batteries). Arrives at northern edge of the battlefield.
13 September/0000 — III/SS Panzergrenadier Regiment 37; 3/SS Sturmgeschütz Abteilung 17; and 1/SS Panzer Pionier Abteilung 17.