Scenario Overview
Three scenarios cover the operations of the 35th Infantry Division and Combat Command B of the 4th Armored Division operating in the 35th Infantry Division’s zone during the opening of the XII Corps November 1944 Offensive in Lorraine.
Scenario 1 — “Laneuveville-en-Saulnois, 8 and 9 November 1944” covers the opening of the 35th Infantry Division’s attack to include the crossing of the Osson Creek, the advance to the lateral road running to Delme on the division’s left through Laneuveville-en-Saulnois to Amélécourt on the division’s right, and the introduction of CCB/4th Armored Division in the left of the 35th Infantry Division’s zone.
Scenario 2 — “To the Nied Français, 10 to 12 November 1944” continues the 35th Infantry Division’s efforts to clear the Forêt Château-Salins and CCB’s advance in the left of the that division’s zone, across the Nied Français.
Scenario 3 — “Morhange, 13 to 15 November 1944” covers the operations leading to the liberation of the important communications center of Morhange.
Each scenario can be played separately. Alternatively, they may be played sequentially as a Campaign game with the start date/time and with forces carrying over their casualties.
References providing background information on this Operation
* Cole, H.M. The Lorraine Campaign. Washington DC: US Army Center for Military History; 1950. Available at https://history.army.mil
* Fox, Don M. Patton’s Vanguard —The United States Army Fourth Armored Division. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland and Company, Inc., Publishers; 2003.
* Rickard, John Nelson. Patton at Bay: The Lorraine Campaign, 1944. Washington DC: Brassey’s Inc.;2004.
Maps:
* The Lorraine Campaign; Map XXVIII — Advance in the 35th Division Zone. Available at https://history.army.mil. See also the reproduced copies of sections of this map with Green, Red and Blue Arrows marking out the battlefields for Scenarios 1, 2, and 3, respectively, at the end of this posting.
* Patton’s Vanguard; The November Offensive, p. 176.
* Patton’s Vanguard; Pressing toward Germany, p. 234.
Miniature Wargaming Requirements
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 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.
US Order of Battle
US 12th Army Group (General Omar Bradley)
US Third Army (Lieutenant General George S. Patton, Jr.)
XII Corps (Major General Manton Eddy)
35th Infantry Division (Major General Paul Baade)
Division Forward Headquarters
35th Reconnaissance Troop (Mechanized)
134th, 137th, and 320th Infantry Regiments
60th Engineer Combat Battalion
161st, 216th, and 219th Field Artillery Battalions (105mm Howitzer)
127th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm Howitzer)
Attachements:
737th Tank Battalion
654th Tank Destroyer Battalion (M10)
448th Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion (Mobile)
Combat Command B/4th Armored Division (Brigadier General Holmes Dager)
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Combat Command B.
8th Tank Battalion (Major Tom Churchill)
51st Armored Infantry Battalion (Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Maybach) with C/37th Tank Battalion attached
22nd Armored Field Artillery Battalion
253rd Armored Field Artillery Battalion (attached from corps)
A/704th Tank Destroyer Battalion (M18)
C/24th Armored Engineer Battalion
C/489th Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion (Self-Propelled)
Combat Command B is organized into two Task Forces as follows:
Task Force Mayback (Task Force Van Arnam in Scenario 3)
51st Armored Infantry Battalion (-Company B)
C/37th Tank Battalion
253rd Armored Field Artillery Battalion
C/24th Armored Engineer Battalion
First Platoon of A/704th Tank Destroyer Battalion
Section of C/489th AAA (AW) Battalion (SP)
Order of march:
Vanguard — A and Assault Gun Platoon/51st Armored Infantry Battalion; Platoon of C/37th Tank Battalion; First Platoon of C/24th Armored Engineer Battalion (with 76 feet of bridge section); First Platoon of A/704th Tank Destroyer Battalion; and Section of C/489th AAA (AW) Battalion (SP).
Main Body — Remainder of TF Mayback.
Follow-up Force — 1/137th and 2/137th Infantry of the 35th Infantry Division
Task Force Churchill
8th Tank Battalion
B/51st Armored Infantry Battalion
22nd Armored Field Artillery Battalion
A/704th Tank Destroyer Battalion (minus First Platoon)
C/24th Armored Engineer Battalion (minus First Platoon)
Section of C/489th AAA (AW) Battalion SP
Close Air Support is provided by 501st and 365th Fighter Squadrons
XII Corps Artillery — Historical composition unknown, but these groups and battalions were known to have served in the Third Army and the group compositions are close to that actually employed.
183rd Field Artillery Group
512th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm Howitzer)
176th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm Howitzer)
410th Field Artillery Group
278th Field Artillery Battalion (240mm Howitzer)
741st Field Artillery Battalion (8-Inch Howitzer)
771st Field Artillery Battalion (4.5-Inch Gun)
German Order of Battle
Army Group G (Generaloberst Johannes Blaskowitz)
LXXXII Corps (General der Artillerie Johann (Sinnhuber)
559. Volksgrenadier Division (Brigadier General Kurt Freiherr von Mühlen)
Forward Headquarters
Volksgrenadier Regiments 1125, 1126, and 1127
Artillerie Regiment 1559
Fusilier Company 559
Panzerjäger Battalion 1559
Pionier Battalion 1559
Kampfgruppe/11. Panzer Division to include Panzergrenadier Regiment 110 (-II/Panzergrenadier Regiment) reinforced by individual companies of Panthers, Mark IVHs, and STuG IIIs.
Fortress Battalion 43 — two fortress infantry and two fortress machine gun companies
Elements of 9. Flak Division — Two battalions each of two 8.8cm and one 3.7 flak batteries.
401 Artillerie Corps
Battalion Anton (18 PAK 40 7.5cm Anti-Tank Guns used in field gun as well as anti-tank roles)
Battalion Bruno (18 PAK 43 8.8cm Anti-Tank Guns used in field gun as well as anti-tank roles)
Battalion Caesar (Eighteen 10.5cm Howitzers)
Battalion Dora (Twelve 12.2cm Howitzer)
Battalion Emil (Eighteen 15.2 Howitzer)
Battalion Friederich (six 21cm Guns and three 17cm Guns)
Scenario 1 — Laneuveville-en-Saulnois, 8 and 9 November 1944
Basic Gaming Information
Scenario Duration Starts at 0600 on 8 November — Daylight. Ends at 1800 on 9 November — Sunset. 30 Turns — 24 Day and 6 Night 2-Hour Turns.
Victory Conditions
US Decisive Victory Reaches the line Delme through Laneuveville-en-Saulnois, Fonteny and the Bois de Amélécourt to Gerbécourt.
US Marginal Victory Reaches the line Aulnois-sur-Seille through Oriocourt to Fresnes-en- Saulnois.
Draw The Germans retain possession of Launeuvevlle-en-Saulnois.
German Marginal Victory The Germans retain possession of Launeuveville-en-Saulnois and Fonteny.
German Decisive Victory The Germans retain possession of Launeuveville-en-Saulnois and Oriocourt.
Weather
Historical weather:
8 November Medium Precipitation. Ground is Moderate Mud after days of rain.
9 November Medium Precipitation. Ground is Moderate Mud after days of rain. Light snow accumulation over the course of the day.
Scenario One — Green Arrows on reproduced map
Terrain
Waterways Normally no more than a small stream, Osson Creek has flooded to a width of 50 yards and has a moderate current of about 3 mph, creating a serious obstacle to maneuver. Vehicles may cross only at Bridges; Personnel stands may not ford the creek. All bridges over Osson Creek have been destroyed by the Germans. The banks may support up to Medium Weight bridges with moderate preparation. No other waterways need be modeled.
High Ground The ground gradually rises north of Osson Creek through the entire battlefield. The high points on this ridge are Hills 284, 296, and 282 from northwest to southeast with Hill 282 located south of Fresnes-en-Saulnois, Hill 296 being due west of that same village, and Hill 284 being at the four-way intersection south of Oriocourt.
The highest ground is on the right of the battlefield, a large ridge beginning in the triangle between Coutures, Fresnes-en-Saulnois, and Amélécourt and continuing along the eastern edge of the battlefield. Another ridge branches off from this starting point and extends to a point between Launeuveville-en-Saulnois and Fonteny, creating in effect in a V-shaped ridge.
The area between Delme and Oriocourt is lower than this ridge and that along the Osson Creek, placing both villages in lower ground.
Dense Forests The Bois de Amélécourt is located at the southern base of the eastern extension of the V-shaped ridge with Forêt de Château-Salins occupying the remainder of the eastern extension. A large wood is located on the opposite side of the battlefield at the midway point, on the ridge north of Osson Creek. Smaller woods are located east of the road leading to Viviers and on the road between Jalloucourt and Fresnes-en-Saulnois. The northeastern corner of the Forét de Grémecy is on the south side of Osson Creek and extends from Jalloucourt past Fresnes-en-Saullnois to the southern tip of the V-shaped ridge.
Roads All solid-line roads on the reference map are paved. Dashed-line roads are unpaved and are subject to mud and miring. The best roads are to be found in the western sector of the 35th Infantry Division’s zone and on the extreme right along the boundary with the 26th Infantry Division.
A paved road runs from Malacourt-sur-Seille at the southwestern corner of the battlefield generally to the northeast and exiting the battlefield’s northern boundary about ¼ of the way from the northwest corner. To the east, another paved road crosses Osson Creek at Jalloucourt, traveling generally northeast, passing through Oriocourt, and ending in a T-junction at a northwest to southeast paved road due west of Launeuvevlle-en-Saulnois. On the extreme right, a paved road runs from Coutures along the division boundary through Amélécourt to Gerbécourt, to the east of the right branch of the V-shaped ridge
A paved road runs from Delme at the northwest corner of the battlefield generally southeast, past the Oriocourt to Viviers road, passing just south of Launeuveville-en-Saulnois, just north of Fresnes-en-Saulnois, up the southern tip of the V-shaped ridge, and to Château-Salins off the battlefield. Just outside Delme a branch paved road intersects a paved road running east from Aulnois-sur-Seille. At this intersection another paved road branches to the southeast running over Hills 284 and 296 and
From Malacourt-sur-Seille a paved road runs generally east along the ridge above Osson creek through Jallaucourt and Fresnes-en-Saulnois, and intersecting the Delme to Château-Salins road on the southern tip of the V-shaped ridge.
A secondary road connects Laneuveville-en-Saulnois with Fonteny and passes over the northwest tip of the V-shaped ridge. Another secondary road connects Fonteny with Gerbécourt and passes through the Forêt de Chateau-Salins.
Railway Line A railway line runs diagonally across the battlefield from Delme, passing midway between Oriocourrt and Laneuveville-en-Saulnois, continuing through a point midway between Fresnes-en-Saulnois, and skirting around the southern tip of the V-shaped ridge to Amélécourt.
Scenario One Special Rules
US Pre-Game Operations Prior to the start of the US first round, the American commander may conduct the following operations without any cost in Command Activation Costs or Artillery Ammunition Points:
Preliminary Reconnaissance — Scouting Actions may be made prior to the commencement of a Preliminary Bombardment.
Preliminary Bombardment — Each XII Corps, 35th Infantry Division Artillery, and CCB/4th Armored Division General and Direct Support Artillery Formation may make a single indirect fire attack. Regimental Cannon and Tank Destroyer Companies may also make a single indirect or direct fire attack.
Bridging Osson Creek Osson Creek may be bridged near Jallaucourt-sur-Seille by means of a Prefabricated Medium Bridge. A second Medium Bridge may be emplaced at Malaucourt. Use your standard tactical bridge building rules or the actual date and time for completion of 8 November at 1040 and 8 November at 16009.
Ground Conditions The Mud Condition starts and remains at Moderate. Use your standard movement modifications for mud and possible miring; or the following: All Personnel Stands pay a double movement cost in addition to any other movement costs they must pay; all Tracked Vehicles pay a triple movement cost and all Wheeled Vehicles pay quadruple movement costs in addition to any other movement costs they must pay. All moving vehicles may become mired.
Availability of US Air Support Up to 6 P-47 airstrikes may be conducted per day, subject to the standard Air Support Rules regarding availability and accuracy. The P-47s may use HE bombs and limited napalm.
Ending Scenario 1 Early The scenario ends early if and when the US achieves a Decisive Victory. In such case, casualties incurred on both sides are rolled forward into Scenario 2.
US Commander’s Briefing — Scenario 1
Situation The XII Corps is postured to resume its delayed offensive toward Germany with H-Hour set for 0800 on 8 November, regardless of weather conditions. The 35th Infantry Division together with Combat Command B/4th Armored Division, are in the center of the corps zone with the 26th Infantry Division and Combat Command A/4th Armored Division operating on the right and the 80th Infantry Division and 6th Armored Division operating on the left.
Intelligence Estimate The enemy has had nearly a month to prepare his defenses before us and has destroyed all bridges across Osson Creek. The primary enemy force before the division is most of 559. Volksgrenadier Division. Although the enemy will likely make a determined stand along Osson Creek, he has also prepared a defense-in-depth and may employ battalion-sized counterattacks supported by armor. The enemy will likely hold the Forét de Château-Salins in strength to hinder our advance through the valley on either side. He will also likely make a strong stand in the Hannocourt-Viviers-Faxe-Fonteny area to deny us the road network there.
Weather No significant change in the weather is predicted for the next 2 to 3 days, although occasional breaks in the cloud cover might permit some limited air support. Given the extensive mud and continued rain, movement off road will be difficult, especially so for the armor.
Terrain The terrain heavily favors the defender, particularly on the right of the division’s zone where the enemy holds a commanding position along ridge atop of which is the Forét de Grémecey. There is better opportunity for on and off road movement on the left of the division’s zone. However, the first challenge remains establishing a bridgehead across Osson Creek, along which the enemy has prepared a strong defense.
Mission The 35th Infantry Division (reinforced) attacks in zone in the center of the corps in coordination with CCB/4th Armored Division, crosses Osson Creek, and advances generally northeast to the line Delme through Laneuveville-en-Saulnois, Fonteny and the Bois de Amélécourt to Gerbécourt, maintaining firm contact with the 35th and 26th Infantry Divisions.
Scheme of Maneuver and Objectives The 137th Regimental Combat Team (RCT) attacks on the left wing of the division, securing a bridgehead in the Malacourt-sur-Seille to Jallaucourt area, followed by an advance along the main roads to Delme and the high ground and road network in the vicinity of Viviers. The 320th RCT attacks on the right wing of the division through the positions of the 134th RCT with the objectives of Fresnes-en-Saulnois, the Bois de Amélécourt, and Amélécourt. The 134th RCT remains in division reserve and has been fully motorized to exploit together with CCB/4th Armored Division.
Combat Command B prepares to exploit northeast with a task force operating each on the roads from Malacourt-sur-Seille and Jallaucourt once the 26th Infantry Division has reached the lateral road running from Delme to Château-Salins.
Troops and Support
Initial Forces
137th RCT (Colonel W.S. Murray) — Deployed on the left wing of the division’s zone from western half of the the Forêt de Grémecy to the boundary with the 80th Infantry Division near Ajoncourt. Attacks from its frontline positions. Upon passage of Combat Command B/4th Armored Division, the 137th RCT attaches one battalion to the combat command and follows behind it to reduced bypassed enemy points of resistance.
320th RCT (Colonel B.A Byrne) — Holds the right wing of the division’s zone from the eastern half of the Forêt de Grémecy to the boundary with the 26th Infantry Division near Coutures. Upon the passage of the 134th Regimental in the opening attack through the positions of the 320th Regimental Combat Team, the latter reverts to division reserve.
134th RCT (Colonel B.B. Miltonberger) — Deployed on the right wing of the division’s attack, behind the positions of the 320th Regimental Combat Team, and at H-Hour attacks through those positions, initially operating on right wing of the division’s zone.
Reinforcements
Combat Command B/4th Armored Division — In assembly area behind the front held by the 137th RCT. Following the expansion of the initial bridgehead and the construction of a heavy treadway bridge, CCB, reinforced by one battalion of the 137th Infantry, assumes the lead for the attack on the left wing in the division sector.
Support
Six airstrikes provided by 501st and 365th Fighter Squadrons, are available, as permitted by the weather. Available air-delivered ordnance includes high explosive bombs and napalm.
XII Corps General Support Artillery
Historical composition unknown, but these groups and battalions were known to have served in the Third Army during this time and the group compositions are typical to those of Field Artillery Groups at this point.
183rd Field Artillery Group
512th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm Howitzer)
176th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm Howitzer)
410th Field Artillery Group
278th Field Artillery Battalion (240mm Howitzer)
741st Field Artillery Battalion (8-Inch Howitzer)
771st Field Artillery Battalion (4.5-Inch Gun)
German Commander’s Briefing — Scenario 1
Situation There have been no large-scale enemy attacks since 9 October on this part of the front. Although the enemy will inevitably renew his offensive, he is unlikely to do so until improved weather restores his advantages in airpower and mobility. In the meantime, he continues to prepare for the attack. Although we have been afforded a lengthy opportunity to prepare our defenses, we have fewer armored forces in immediate reserve.
Intelligence Assessment The enemy’s experienced 35th Infantry Division is in position opposite 559. Volksgrenadier Division. Although bloodied by our attacks in the Forét de Grémecey at the end of September, it is by now up to strength and well rested. Although higher command believes that when the enemy attacks, his main effort will be made to the north by his XX Corps, a secondary effort could be made by those forces opposite 559. Volksgrenadier Division. If the enemy attacks on our front, it will likely be in the valleys of the Nied Français and Petite Seille, and possibly an effort to isolate Metz.
Weather Forecasts call for continued rain and declining temperatures. The ground will have no opportunity to dry out and the enemy will largely be confined to roads for some time even after the clouds clear.
Terrain The terrain is heavily in our favor beginning with the swollen Osson Creek. There are numerous positions to rally our defense should the enemy penetrate this formidable barrier. The most likely areas for his armored thrusts are on either side of the Forêt de Château-Salins, but these avenues can be well covered by concealed positions covering obstacles. However, if we receive panzer support, that will face the same mobility changes encountered by the Americans. Fortunately, even small packets of armor wisely committed may be sufficient to blunt his main attacks.
Mission 559. Volksgrenadier Division with elements of 9. Flak Division backed by 401 Artillerie Corps defend in-depth in sector and hold the enemy short of the Nied Français.
Troops and Support
Initial Forces
Volksgrenadier Regiment (VGR) 1127 defends the Hill 296 — Fresnes-en-Saulnois — Bois d’Amélécourt — Forêt-de-Château-Salins sector with I/VGR defending the Hill 296 and Fresnes-en-Saulnois sector and II/VGR defending the Bois d’Amélécourt and Forêt de Château-Salins sector.
Direct Support Artillery
I/Artillerie Regiment 1559 (Twelve 10.5cm Howitzers) deployed on the battlefield is assigned Direct Support of Volksgrenadier Regiment 1127.
General Support Artillery
—IV/Artillerie Regiment 1559 (Twelve 15cm Howitzers)
— Battalion Caesar (Eighteen 10.5cm Howitzers) of 401 Volksartillerie Corps.
— Battalion Emil (Eighteen 15cm Howitzers) of 401 Volksartillerie Corps.
Flak
9. Flak Division A battalion of one 3.7cm and two 2cm Flak Batteries may be positioned anywhere on the battlefield.
Battlefield Fortifications and Obstacles The Bois de Amélécourt and Forêt de Château-Salins must be heavily fortified and mines must be emplaced on the road leading east from Fresnes-en-Saulnois. The Germans may emplace moderate levels of barbed wire, anti-tank and anti-personnel minefields, and roadblocks or crater prior to the scenario start. All stands may begin play entrenched or hull down.
Scenario Two — To the Nied Française, 10 to 12 November 1944 (Red Arrows)
This scenario may be played as a Stand Alone game using the Historical start and end dates. Alternatively, it may be played as a continuation of the outcome of Scenario One to include casualties incurred by both sides.
Basic Gaming Information
Historical Scenario Start and Duration
Starts at 0600 on 10 November — Sunrise. Ends at 1800 on 12 November — Sunset. Total of 48 Turns — 36 Day and 12 2-Hour Night Turns.
Campaign Scenario Start Begins the following date and hour turn after the US achieves a Decisive Victory in Scenario 1 or as above.
Victory Conditions
US Decisive Victory The US holds Hannocourt, Chicourt, Château Bréhain, and has cleared the Forêt de Château-Salins of the enemy.
US Marginal Victory The US holds Hannocourt and either Chicourt or Château Bréhain.
Draw The US holds Hannocourt and has cleared the Forêt de Château-Salins.
German Marginal Victory The Germans control Oron or retain a foothold in the northeastern part of the Forêt de Château-Salins.
German Decisive Victory The Germans control Oron and retain a foothold in the northeastern part of the Forêt de Château-Salins.
Weather
Historical weather 10-12 November: Heavy Precipitation and Deep Mud.
Terrain
River Nied Française The Nied Française is not crossable by vehicles or personnel other than by bridge or assault craft. It is considered to be 50 yards wide and has a moderate current. Its sources are the Rougemont Ridge from which it flows generally west to the village of Oron where it turns north. At Oron it is joined by a branch that originates in the Forêt de Château-Salins from the area where the V-ridge forms, and travels midway between the two branches of the bridge, and passes east of Fonteny. Throughout its path through this battlefield, the Nied Française passes through a wide valley.
High Ground In the west corner of the battlefield near Hannocourt is a small area of heavily forested high ground. There is also high ground east and north of the main branch of the Nied Française near Oron. The eastern branch of the V-ridge covers much of the southeastern area of the battlefield, but the ground drops off short of the battlefield’s edge.
Lowest Ground The lowest ground is a valley that follows the path of the Nied Française’s two branches.
Dense Forest The largest area of dense forest is the Forêt de Château-Salins. The Bois de Serres is located to the west of the road connecting Faxe and Oron and stretches northwest about two-thirds of the way to Hannocourt and about two thirds of way southwest from Oron toward Viviers. There is also dense forest along the northeastern end of the battlefield over the middle third of the distance between the battlefield’s northeast corner and Chicourt.
Road Network The paved road from Malacourt-sur-Seille splits at Viviers with a branch generally heading north to Hannocourt and the other heading generally east to Faxe. These two paved roads form two sides of a diamond which contains most of the Forêt de Serres. The paved road from Hannocourt continues generally east through the forest to a junction on the Nied Française with the paved road from Faxe. From there, it continues northeast along the north bank of the Nied Française, passing south of Chicourt before exiting the battlefield at the middle point of the northeastern edge.
A short paved road connects Faxe and Fonteny while secondary roads from Fonteny head southwest to Laneuveville-en-Saulnois and east through the Forêt de Château-Salins to a T-Junction with the Château-Salins paved road in the southeast section of the battlefield. This road slits with a continuation northeast to Dalhain and north to Château-Bréhain where it exits the battlefield toward Bréhain.
A paved road from Lessé enters the battlefield at its north corner and continues to Hannocourt. From Lucy on this road in the north corner of the battlefield, another paved road branches to the southeast. About halfway from Lucy to Oron, there is a fork in the road leading south or southeast to Chicourt.
Scenario Two Special Rules
Previous Casualties in Campaign Game
Formations that participated in Scenario One begin Scenario Two with their ranks reduced by casualties in the Scenario One battle. However, all Shaken and Broken effects from Scenario One are ignored. Shaken and Retreated Units remain in such states.
If starting Scenario Two as a stand-alone or preceding game to Scenario Three, roll for Scenario One casualties to be applied before the start of play.
Prior US Casualties if Using Historic Scenario Two American casualties were relatively light on 8 and 9 November. To simulate this, roll 1D6 per Formation and halve the result, rounded down. This result provides the number of Hits to be divided as desired among the Units.
Prior German Casualties if Using Historic Scenario 2 German casualties were quite heavy on 8 and 9 November, including about 800 prisoners. To simulate this, roll 1D6 per Formation and increase the result by 50% rounded up. This result provides the number of Hits to be divided as desired among the Units.
Ground Conditions
The Mud Condition starts and remains at Deep, which under the standard rules reduces vehicular movement by ⅔ and applies to all vehicles moving Cross-Country and on Unpaved Roads. Movement off paved roads is subject to miring. Infantry movement on paved roads is reduced by 40 percent and in other conditions by 60 percent.
Availability of US Air Support Up to 6 P-47 airstrikes may be conducted per day, subject to the standard Air Support Rules regarding availability and accuracy. The P-47s may use HE bombs and limited napalm.
Ending Scenario 2 Early The scenario ends early if and when the US achieves a Decisive Victory. In such case, casualties incurred on both sides are rolled forward into Scenario 3.
US Commander’s Briefing — Scenario Two
Situation The division has achieved all of its initial objectives and is well-positioned to begin the drive to the second objective, the communications center of Morhange. On the division’s left, Task Force (TF) Churchill’s drive toward Viviers threatens the rear of the enemy’s 48. Division and enabling elements of both the 35th and 26th Infantry Divisions to take the village of Delme. Due to these successes, the enemy defense on the formidable Delme Ridge is quickly being reduced by the 80th Infantry Division. On the division’s right, the 26th Infantry Division and CCA/4th Armored Division have encountered a strong defense, leaving uncertain at this point the extent to which the 26th Infantry Division and CCA team will play in the taking of Morhange. It is possible that this objective may be assigned to the 35th Infantry Division with the assistance of the 4th Armored Division, or become solely a 4th Armored Division objective. It also possible that the 35th Infantry Division could be pinched out of line by the 80th and 26th Infantry Divisions and the 4th and 6th Armored Divisions.
Intelligence Assistance Although the enemy is falling back, he is being reinforced. Elements of Panzergrenadier Regiment 110 of 11. Panzer Division and the third regiment of 559. Volksgrenadier Division have been identified before us. The composition and strength of these reinforcements is not known. It is likely that the enemy will fight hard to retain the road network around the Bois de Serres. He will seek to draw out for as long as possible the fight for the Forêt de Château-Salins. As long as he holds this position, our ability to coordinate operations with the 26th Infantry Division will be impacted.
Weather Meteorology reports forecast continued heavy rain, but with occasional breaks that may make limited air support possible. There are no indications that the ground will dry out anytime soon.
Terrain The nature of the terrain means that width of the division’s zone will continue to decrease. However, even if pushed out of the Bois de Serres and the Forêt de Château Salins, the enemy likely will attempt to hold the line of the Nied Française, which will eventually divide our forces in zone, and Roughmont Ridge to re-establish a strong defense.
Mission The 35th Infantry Division and CCA/4th Armored Division operating in the division’s zone advances to and takes Morhange by 14 November.
Concept of Operations and Objectives Combat Command B operating in the left of the division’s zone will spearhead the drive toward the Nied Française and the Rougemont Ridge to gain positions from which the 35th Infantry Division will take Morhange. The 134th RCT in the right of the zone will assist the 320th RCT in clearing the Forêt de Château-Salins, open the road from Amélécourt to Morhange, and maintain contact with the 26th Infantry Division. The 320th RCT will clear the western and northern sectors of the Forêt de Château-Salins, after which it will either enter division reserve or be tasked with the taking of Rougemont Ridge. On the left of the division zone, CCB will continue to spearhead the drive, sending its task forces through the Nied Française valley to the east of and along Rougemont Ridge, to a position west of Morhange. The 137th RCT will mop-up in the wake of CCB, maintain a solid contact with the 80th Infantry Division to the division’s left, and provide infantry support as needed to CCB.
Forces and Support
Initial Forces and Deployment
TF Churchill of CCB/4th Armored Division with 1/134th Infantry attached — Vicinity of Viviers.
TF Mayback of CCA/4th Armored Division — Enters the battlefield along the highway from Laneuveville-en-Saulnois to Fonteny.
134th RCT (-1/134th Infantry) — Follows Task Force Mayback.
137th RCT — Enters the main part of the Forêt de Château-Salins from the Bois de Amélécourt.
320th RCT — Enters the battlefield along the highway from Amélécourt to Gerbécourt.
Reinforcements
None.
Support
Six airstrikes provided by 501st and 365th Fighter Squadrons
XII Corps Artillery — Historical composition unknown, but these groups and battalions were known to have served in the Third Army and the group compositions are close to that actually employed.
183rd Field Artillery Group
512th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm Howitzer)
176th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm Howitzer)
410th Field Artillery Group
278th Field Artillery Battalion (240mm Howitzer)
741st Field Artillery Battalion (8-Inch Howitzer)
771st Field Artillery Battalion (4.5-Inch Gun)
German Commander’s Briefing — Scenario Two
Situation The enemy is attacking all along the front of his Third Army with the intent of bypassing Metz and driving to the Westwall. In our sector, front, he appears to have Faulquemont and Morhange as his intermediate objectives. However, he likely is thinking in terms of a deep offensive that would have a major impact on the course of the war.
Intelligence Assessment Elements of the experienced 35th Infantry and 4th Armored Divisions are operating on our front. His losses to date may not be debilitating as our line along the Osson Creek collapsed unexpectedly quickly. He will likely make his main effort toward Morhange through the Nied Française valley with a supporting attack in the valley of the Petite Seille. This will require that he clear the Forêt de Château-Salins.
Weather Rain and possibly snow will largely neutralize the enemy’s airpower for the next few days. The muddy ground will also inhibit his off-road mobility to a great extent, providing an opportunity to halt him at bottlenecks and natural barriers.
Mission 559. Volksgrenadier Division with attachments including a battlegroup of 11. Panzer Division defends in-depth in sector. Retrograde movements made not be made without the approval of higher command.
Concept of Operations Wear down the enemy so that, together with the bad weather and miserable ground conditions, he run his offensive out of steam far short of his objectives.
Forces and Support
Forces
559. Volksgrenadier Division in its entirety.
11. Panzer Division Kampfgruppe — Built around Panzergrenadier Regiment 110 (-II/Panzergrenadier Regiment 110); 1/Panzer Regiment 15 (three Panthers) and 4/Panzer Regiment 15 (four Mark IVH); 1/Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion 231; I/Panzer Artillerie Regiment 119; 1/Flak Battalion 277; and I/Panzer Artillery Regiment 119.
Assault Gun Brigade — Three STuG IIIG
Battalion Bruno (-) of 401 Volksartillerie Corps — two PAK 43 anti-tank guns.
Mixed Flak Battalion/9 Flak Division Two 8.8cm Flak and one 3.7cm Flak guns.
Fortifications and Obstacles Eight Medium Improved Positions anywhere on the battlefield to include a flak strongpoint on hill northeast of Fonteny. Barbed wire, anti-tank and anti-personnel minefields, and roadblocks or craters may be emplaced prior to the start of play in small amounts (less than in Scenario One).
General Support Artillery — Elements, 401 Volksartillerie Corps
(Historical order of battle is unavailable.)
Battalion Caesar (Eighteen 10.5cm Howitzers)
Battalion Dora (18 15cm Howitzers)
Battalion Emil (Eighteen 15cm Howitzers)
Battalion Friedrich (Six 21cm Howitzers and three 17cm Guns)
Scenario Three — The Advance to Morhange, 13 to 15 November 1944 (Blue Arrows)
This scenario may be played as a Stand Alone game using the Historical start and end dates. Alternatively, it may be played as a continuation of the outcome of Scenario Two to include casualties incurred by both sides.
Basic Gaming Information
Historical Scenario Start and Duration
Starts at 0600 on 13 November and ends at 1800 on 15 November. Total of 48 turns — 36 day and 12 2-hour Night Turns.
Victory Conditions
US Decisive Victory The US controls Morhange.
US Marginal Victory The US controls Destry, Baronville, Achain, and Haboudange.
Draw The US controls any two of Destry, Baronville, Achain, and Haboudange
German Marginal Victory The US controls any one of Destry, Baronville, Achain, and Haboudange.
German Decisive Victory The Germans control Marthille, Rougemont Ridge, and Achain.
Weather
Historical weather 13-15 November: Medium Precipitation and Deep Mud.
Terrain
River Nied Française The Nied Française is not crossable by vehicles or personnel other than by bridge or assault craft. It is 50 yards wide and has a moderate current.
High Ground The key high ground is Rougemont Ridge, over which traverses the Bréhain to Morhagne highway. There is also high ground on the northwest edge of the battlefield north of Marthille and again directly west of Ville-sur-Nied, both of which are covered in dense forest.
Dense Forests There are dense forests on the high ground on the northwest edge of the battlefield north of Marthille and again directly west of Ville-sur-Nied. There is also a small dense forest between Destry and the north corner of the battlefield.
Railway Line A railway line enters the battlefield about 8/10ths of a mile from Landroff on the northwest edge of the battlefield. It exits the battlefield at the east corner of the battlefield.
Paved Roads From Chicourt a paved road follows the north bank of the Nied Française through Viller-sur-Nied, then crosses the rive at Marthille. This road then climbs the Rougemont Ridge to a T-junction with the Amélécourt to Baronville paved road. Four paved roads radiate from Baronville: northwest to Destry, north to Landroff, southeast to Morhange, and southwest along the Rougemont Ridge. Another paved road enters at the south corner of the battlefield, passing through Dalhain, Bellange, and Achain where it turns east/northeast to Morhange. A paved road from Morhange leads south to Haboudange. Halfway between Chicourt and Viller-sur-Nied along the paved road, a branch crosses the river into Bréhain and continues southwest to Château Bréhain, the proceeds south to exit the battlefield just west of the battlefield’s south corner. A secondary road connects Marthille with Destry.
Scenario Special Three Rules
Previous US and German Casualties US and German forces from Scenario 2 that participate in Scenario 3 do so with their ranks reduced by casualties in the Scenario 2 battle. Broken units in Scenario Two remain Broken at the start of Scenario Three.
Ground Conditions The Mud Condition starts and remains at Deep. Movement off paved roads is subject to Miring.
German Replacements At 0400 on 14 November, the 559. Volksgrenadier Division receives replacements equivalent to restoring 9 Hits. This may be apportioned among the battalions as desired.
US Commander’s Briefing — Scenario Three
Situation The 35th Infantry Division and CCB/4th Armored Division have been given the mission of taking a critical XII Corps objective, the communications center of Morhagne. Although the division is tired and has suffered heavy losses, the enemy is in worse shape and on the verge of collapse. Once Morhagne is taken, a short break for regrouping, refitting, and resting is planned before the offensive toward Germany is resumed.
Intelligence Assessment The enemy has suffered heavy losses since the start of our offensive on 8 November. He has been steadily pushed back over the past week and incurred heavy losses, only a small number of which have been replaced.
Weather No change in the weather is in the forecast. The rain and mud are expected to continue for the foreseeable future, as well as a drop in the temperature. Commanders at all levels must take steps to minimize non-battle casualties.
Terrain The ground leading to Morhagne is more open than experienced so far in this attack. Rougemont Ridge appears to be the most formidable feature, but provides little concealment and cover.
Mission The 35th Infantry Division in coordination with CCB attacks in zone to seize the corps objective of Morhagne.
Scheme of Maneuver and Objectives Combat Command B will make the main effort through the Nied Française valley to approach Morhagne from west. The 137th will follow, maintaining contact with the 80th Infantry and 6th Armored Divisions on the left, and taking and holding Rougemont Ridge. The 134th RCT will advance on Morhagne via Dalhain, Bellange, and Achain, and maintain contact with the 26th Infantry Division and CCA team on the right. Depending upon circumstances, either CCB or the 134th RCT may be given the task of seizing Morhagne. The 320th RCT is in division reserve and preparing for the next phase of the attack.
Forces
Initial Forces
Combat Command B/4th Armored Division (with 1/137th Infantry attached) — enters the battlefield on the highway from Oron to Ville-sur-Nied. The 137th RCT (-1/137th Infantry) — enters the battlefield along the axis Château-Bréhain to Bréhain. The 134th RCT — enters the battlefield on the right wing of the division’s zone along the highway from Gerbécourt to Dalhain.
Reinforcements
None. The 320th RCT is in reserve, but unavailable in this scenario.
Support
Six airstrikes provided by 501st and 365th Fighter Squadrons
XII Corps Artillery — Historical composition unknown, but these groups and battalions were known to have served in the Third Army and the group compositions are close to that actually employed.
183rd Field Artillery Group
512th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm Howitzer)
176th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm Howitzer)
410th Field Artillery Group
278th Field Artillery Battalion (240mm Howitzer)
741st Field Artillery Battalion (8-Inch Howitzer)
771st Field Artillery Battalion (4.5-Inch Gun)
German Commander’s Briefing — Scenario Three
Situation The enemy’s primary objective is the communications center of Morhagne. This city must be held if we are to stabilize the front and halt the enemy’s advance.
Intelligence Assessments The enemy is tired and much reduced in strength, but remains determined. Nonetheless, if he can be halted, he likely will need time to regroup and regain his strength. That would provide an opportunity for us to do the same.
Weather The inability to employ his full airpower has been a major constraint on the enemy’s pace of advance. Fortunately, the current weather conditions are expected to continue for at least several more days. Deep off-road mud will also continue to limit is options for maneuver.
Mission 559. Volksgrenadier Division with attachments including a strong battlegroup of 11. Panzer Division defends the western and southern approaches to Morhagne, denying the enemy the use of this communications center.
Concept of Operations Delay the enemy’s entry into Morhagne and carryout a program of demolition of that city’s roads and infrastructure that would be of use to him.
Forces and Support
Forces
559. Volksgrenadier Division in its entirety, although reduced by prior casualties.
11. Panzer Division Kampfgruppe — Built around Panzergrenadier Regiment 110 (-II/Panzergrenadier Regiment 110); 1/Panzer Regiment 15 (three Panthers) and 4/Panzer Regiment 15 (four Mark IVH); 1/Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion 231; I/Panzer Artillerie Regiment 119; 1/Flak Battalion 277; and I/Panzer Artillery Regiment 119.
Assault Brigade — Three STuG IIIG platoons.
Battalion Bruno (-) of 401 Volksartillerie Corps — two PAK 43
Mixed Flak Battalion/9 Flak Division — Two 8.8cm Flak and one 3.7cm Flak guns.
Replacements
Replacements equivalent to a battalion are expected to reach 559. Volksgrenadier Division at some time during the night of 13/14 November.
Fortifications and Obstacles The Germans may emplace 24 inches of barbed wire, 28 anti-tank mine points, 32 anti-personnel mine points, four roadblocks or craters.
General Support Artillery — Elements, 401 Volksartillerie Corps
(Historical order of battle is unknown.)
Battalion Caesar (Eighteen 10.5cm Howitzers)
Battalion Dora (18 15cm Howitzers)
Battalion Emil (Eighteen 15cm Howitzers)
Battalion Friedrich (Six 21cm Howitzers and three 17cm Guns)
