HET Cay THE BATTLE FOR NORTHERN GERMANY \ MARCH - MAY 1945 wre Siqr te See UL asadWESTERN EUROPE, 1945 CiTIN a TINE oe peepee Lali} Ce ee creas WHY COLLECT A FORCE FROM NACHTJAGER? By March 1945 the Allies had beaten che Germans back ro the Rhine, There next step was to push over this formidable cobstcle. While the Americans had caprured the Bridge ac Remagen and. pushed over the Rhine, che Brish prepared and launched Operation Plunder, cessing the Rhine in the ied Wed “The British fight againse desperate German forces, including. civilian Voltsturm, armoured and training bstle groups, and freshly raised Marine-Grenadiets. The race 10 Berlin i on. The Germans threw newly formed units into the fay, Ince in Nachyjiger ate 2, Marine-Grenadierdivision, and ndvision ‘Clewsewite the last of ts kind formed during the wat To avoid Allied ainpower, the armoured counterattacks ae night. ‘mans conduct Geeman fences are reinforced with railway FlaK batteries, mations, ening battle groups, and fanatical woops of the ‘The Garman fight lard 10 hold on o every piece of German soil, before withdrawing to dir nest holding poinc incre Sooo ITALY Against this che British push forward with their armoured dlvisons leading the way ate the new Comet tanks of the 11 Armoured Division, supported by theie hard-ighting veteran infantry ld the British 11° Armoured os armed Challenger hie book will allow you t Division. They field beand new armoured personnd caries or siver crossing LV amphibi ‘ous personnd cart Again the British te09 Nowhwest Aemy Group. Made of che renunis of regulr divisions, vious samperyppen, and the newly raed, but Marine- Grenadin sd. Panirdviien ts, from and Panzer 1V3 co Panthers Jagdanthers and Tigers. a8 ‘wel as poweful ground ard railway meunced FAK units, The isewite would often attack a night, wing thir infra-red night-fghting equipmen: ro getthe drop on the Allies Feld both Zuncerkempferappen of Pancerdvison ‘Clanseuts! and destroy your enemies under the cows of darkness The batafcli af soithwest Geran mentee!a as THE BATTLE FOR NORTHERN GERMANY MARCH - MAY 1945 ‘Writen bys Michael Haught and Wayne Turner Contributors Bede Bailey, Alexander Cestantion, ot Eaurant, Michael Me Tefcare Tete Gereneye hs Johe-Doal i Proof Readers: Brad Suisury, Rusel Brian Michael McSwiney, Gary Martin, Peregrine Young eof Patel Graphic Design and Photography: Vicor Pessh Cover and Internal Art: Viacent Wai “Miniatures Design: Tim Adcock, Evan Alle, Gioegio Basan, Wil Jayne res Painting: Andrew Agutters, Blk Casey Davies, James Brow, Aaron Mabie, ‘Mat Parkes, Che's Towetley, Vicor Peich ‘Terrain Modelling: Buclefrone Stadio Phaytest Groups Dacls Aemy (Gavin van Rosut) 1 Bagada de Mackid Jonge Sancho), Games Koeps Do oy Faller), The Regiment (Simon McBeth), Einhejar (Gi Jokall Giskson) Company es CONTENTS De a ae one tae ee 11° Armoured Division Special Ruls.. ee eee ore Cet ones Operation Torchlight Pee ents Donnas ee oo e British Painting Guide This isa supplement for Flamer OF W A copy of the rulebo All ightsrscrved No pare of his publication may be ‘means withoat the pior writen pamission ofthe publser no: be o ia whieh ies published and Copyright Batfione Mina produced, sored in Lid. 2015. ISBN 978-0-592: a od ee Panzerdivision Clausewitr Special Rules. esi Reet ee create mre Comets rte te World War H miniatures game 3x Flames Of Waris necessary to fully ase theconcents ofthis book: ese system, or tansmied, in any form oF by any rise ceclated in any form of Binding or cove her chan chat thou similar condition being fmposed on the subsequent purchaser~ BRITAIN S FINAL OFFENSIVE IN EUROPE During the frst pare of 1945 the Brith and Canadian forces advanced into Germany fro theit portions in the Netherlands and Belgium, fighting their way to the Rhine River. The Rhine was the last major obstacle blocking the Western Allied advance into Germany. Firat the British had co cross che Rhine, This was organised tunder two plans, Operiton Plunder and Operation Vasiy. (Operation Plunder called for three cromgs of the Rhine using amphibious vehiles and bous. These crossings, at Rees, Wesel, and south of the Lippe River confluence with the Rhine, involved the British 51° (Highland) Division, 15# (Scottish) Division, [* Commando Brigade, and the US Ninch Army’ 30" and 79° Infancry Divisions. Further divisions were earmarked for reinforcement and exploitation operations The 51* (Highlind) Division was to crose around Rees, with the 3° Caradian Division and British 3° Division in support. The crossing to the north of Wesel was handled by she 15! (Scoaish} Division with suppoet from the (Lowland) Division, while the crossings south of Wesel were conducted by the 1” Commando Brigade, Furher along, south of the Lippe Rive, the US Ninth Army's divisions Operation Vaesiy” involved the dropping. of she Brith 6" Aisbome Division and US 174 Airbome Division into an area just north of Wesel, Learning from the lessons of ‘Markee Garden, the aiborne anding zones were only a short distance ftom where the Rhine River crossings would take place. The British 64 Airborne Divsion was eo capture the villages of Schnappenterg and Hamminkeln, clar part of the Dierslordeer Wald (Forest, and secure three bridges over the River sl. The US 17° Acborne Division was to capcure the village of Dienforde and clear the rest of the Diersfordter Wald, The qa divisions were then to hold until eelieved by advancing divisions afer they kad crossed the Rhine, Once the sirborne landings and Rhine crensings bad been ‘completed the British and American forces were then 0 advance inwo northern Geennany. OPERATION PLUNDER Operation Plunder was launched on 23 March 1945, wich 4 masive preliminary bombardment from over 4000 guns and thunderous bombing raid on the town of Wesel. The Bombing lfc much of Wesel in ruins and the arity bom bardment pinned doven many ofthe defenders. ‘he first British unie co cross the Rhine was the 7° Blck Watch near Rees at 2100 hours, and they were closely followed by che 7° Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, Both battalions came fiom of the 51° (Highland) Division. They ‘rossed over in Buffalo LVT amphibious personnel carvers, On their right Hank the 15* Scottish Division began crossing 200 hours on 24 March, landing berwsen Recs and fesd. The 1" Commando Brigade landed, in both Bulfilos and sxsult boats just tothe south of Wesel Resixance was relatively light for the crossing, with occasional machine-gun fice and morar barrages, However, once ashore resistance increased from the defending Falicirmjdgarfrom che 74 and 8 Divisions, etmnants ofthe 84* and 180% Divisions, and local Valesturm and Hisler Youth militia. The open tern Teteen the villages and aver euide the advancs dialed fierce defense by the German airborne troops required rein- Farcements from the 9 Canadian Infantry Brigade to aid she 51" Highland) DivisionEventually, the pressure of the added reinforcements combined with Brkish and US paracsoopers, who had begun landing in the late morning, atacking in the rear areas tok A firms bridgehead was established. Bridges were prepared across the Rhine and the Allis were able to begin bringing across theie armour and other supporting weapons. By 27 March the bridgehead had been expanded to S6km (35, miles) wide and 32km (20 miles) deep. ADVANCE FROM THE RHINE By 28March the British 78 Armoured Division had advanced as faras Borken, 28km (17 miles) from che Rhine and the US 17° Airborne Divisions had reach Halter, 39km (24 miles), supporeed by the British 6* Guards lank Brigade, ‘The success of the British Rhine crossings” allowed Montgomery's 21" Army Group to pash into the plains of Northern Germany. Monegomery’s plan vs for the Fist Canadian Army to drive norchwest co cut off the maining German forces in the north of the Netherlands, while the British Second Army was to push on towatds Bedin, The US Ninth Army: which was pate ofthe 21° Army Group, wasto head southeast to seal off the Ruhr region. Unfortunately For Montgomery he lost command over che US Ninth ‘Army, which was tansferred to the command of Bradley’ 12 Army Group. Part of the same change vas that the US 12" Army Group, rather than the 21° Army Group, would bee easked with the advance on the Elbe River, and rather than Berlin, which would be left to the Soviets, the earget became the industrial ares around Leipzig and Dresden. The 21% Army Group had been demoted toa secondary flank protection role, However, the advance continued, The British Second Arn: part of the 21" Army Group, pushed northward tothe Ems River. The goal was now eo beat the Soviet: co Schleswig Holstein and the Danish borer to stap the possbiligy of them eccupying Denmatk, Despite the superiority of the Second Army over the German forces, afer six yeats of war the Brish were conscious of not taking too many casualties with the end in sigh The Second Army advanced on a thrce comps front, with 30 Coups-on the lee, 12 Comps in the centre, and 8 Comps on the right. The adkance on che left was slowed by German fvmeceruppe Seudent. wich despite limited resources fought hard to delay 30 Corps. 8 Conps advanced into the vacuum left by of the collapse of German 86, Armeckorps in their sector and quickly moved on Osncbrick. By 31 March bridgeheads had been pushed over the Dortmund-Ems anal and the Ems River, with the 11 Armoured Division, leading the way. In the centre 12 Corps advance wat le by the ‘Desert Ras! (7 Armoured Division). They reached the Ems River by the start of April, bat wer: then delayed while they cleared the rown of Rheine As the Second Army continued its advance, the 114 Armoured Division met song resistance at Ibbenbiiren inthe Teutenburger Wald. They were soon followed by the Armoured Division, who were diverted from Rheine to cros: the Ems further south where the 11" Armoured Division crossed earlier. They relieved the 11 Armoured Division at Ibbenbiiren and allowed them to continue cast wards, Onee Ibbenbiren was cleared by the 53! (Welsh) Division on 6 April, Comps wasable push on to Neinburg, On 5 April the Bridsh Second Army was ordered co secure the line of the Wesee River and capture divisions of the three corps had advanced to the Weser River, they be take Brome Germany. Along the Weset and Aller Rivers they would face the roops of the German 2, Marine-Infunceredition emen. Once the .n to make preparations to force crossings, ‘and contin their advance int the heart of Britain’s final offensive in Europe eS & ronald Be syn (ane ney Bury P as o f — COs BRITAIN'S FINAL OFFENSIVE IN EUROPE *Weg COMETS ACROSS GERMANY BRITAIN’S FINEST CRUISER TANK Beeween the world wars, British tank doctrine was divided Inco ewo distinct roles: infancy tanks, those meant to help the infanery breakthrough enemy lines, and cruiser tanks that wore designed :0 exphi gaps and cue deep into enemy territory: While che infantry tanks (or ITanks) were heavily armoured and slow, the cuisers relied on epoed ro protect them from enemy fre. Cruisers were eested in combat from the very beginning of che war, with A9 Cruiser Mle and ALO Cruiser MkII tanks in France, 1940. Shortcomings of these tanks were incorporated in the next generations of cruiser, such as the A13 Ceuiser Mle TV and the Crsiscr Mk VI ‘Crusade’. The Grusader tank achieved great fime in Norh Africa and underscored the value of having a light tank for exploiting and charging into enemy tersitory However successful t was, the cruiser tanks weaponry Was sail unable to tackle infantry ard anti-tank guns due to a lack of high-explosive (HE) ammunicon, Ip 1942, a new ruisertank design emerged which would eventually become the AI7 Cruiser Mk VIII ‘Cromwell’. This eank incroduced 475mm gun with HE capable of dealing with soft targer, thereby comoving. 2 vital weakness from the cesier tank. The Cromwell entered battle in Normandy and wvas applauded for its powerful engine, which came in weful daring the race cross France and Belgium in 1944 ne final problem with the cruiser tank remained to be solved: German armour protection. ‘The enemy's eanks, such as che Panther, were so well protected that they could hot be knocked out frm the fron. I was believed shas the speed of the cruiser would overcome this, but experience in Normandy and Holland proved otherwise. Stopgaps were signed, such as the 17 pdrarmed A30 Challenger and Feefly, but this once again brought back the problem of having no HE ammunition, so they were usually paired with ‘Ceomvells 1 restore the bance. In carly 1944 the solution came together with the new A34 “This design fined some of the problems reported by Cromwell crews, such at fixing track Tinks, addiional armour protection around che curr, and a heavier gun, while retaining the Cromvells speed, low= profile, and high-explos Geuiser ‘Conse’ tank desi THE 77MM HIGH VELOCITY GUN The major advancement that the Comet offered was its powerful projectile as the traditional 17 pdr gun, but a smaller cas was used co make ic usable inside the Comers turret, The result was around slightly ess powerful than the 17 pdr, but sill quite deadly co all buc the heaviest German tanks, There wwasalso HE arimunition aailable, finally giving the cuisers the capability of tackling all enemy urges. mm gun. ‘The gun used the same calibreROLLS-ROYCE METEOR ENGINE ‘The Comer featured the same Rolls-Royce Meteor Engine Mik III V12 perro engine that powered the Cromwell. Due Pe snainiceance Ret cee Oy th she wat jarerned dens to 32mph (S1km/h). However crews must have disbled eee ded this using the race othe Baltic iar nestle Cretan seta Ge cv in May 1945, ENTERING COMBAT The Comet was the pinnacle of several yeass of erviser development and was ready for combat in December 1944, The first batch was sent to Belgium to be distbuted to the 11" Amoured Division, however the tankers were rushed to the front eo deal with the German Ardennes offensive in Belgium, Once thac was accomplished the crews finally gor ‘0 jump into their new tanks “The Comets went into combat for the first time during Operation Plunder, che 1945 British crossing of the Rhine, 4 a follow-up and breakthrough force. Once the gap was made bythe infantry the Co Northern German May. When the Ci Finally reaching the German autobahn in nets hit the famous German motorway they screamed across the countryside a full seed, so fying off che back decks and riflemen passengers clinging for dear life, The diision arrived at the Baltic in easly May 1945, with nothing but the highese praise for the Britains finest bute tank “The Comet went on to serve the Bricsh Army in Korea paired fm in British servi th the new Centution tank. The Comet seldiered uncil 1958, COMETS ACROSS GERMANY 3€TO THE ELBE THE 11" ARMOURED DIVISION IN GERMANY The 118 Armoured Division was formed in 1941. By 1944, the division was ready for combat and placed under the command of the legendary desert canker ‘Pip’ Roberts. The diidoo ieee (pet te Bk And cE Hees ee 159" Infanery Brigade, nd divisional support unis, THE BRIGADES ‘he 29% Armoured Brigade has three tank formations, the 23% Hussars, the 3" Royal Tank Regimens (3RTR), and the 204 Bile &e Fofar Yeomanty (2FF). The brigade lao hal a ‘motorised battalion of infant, the 8° Baralion, The Rifle Brigade (BRB), The 159° Infancey Brigade consisted of three batilions, the 4 Baralion, King’s Shropshire Light Infancry (4KSL1), the 3" Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment (the Mons), and the I~ Batallon, Herefordshise Regiment (¢he Hereford) The brigade was backed by the machine-gunners of the 2 MG Company; Norchumberland Fuser. FRANCE AND THE LOW COUNTRIES During the Normandy campaign in 1944, the 11 “Armoured Participated in chee major affensive operations. Despice some eatly problems, the division gave 2 good account of themselves and tool pare in the ‘Great Swan’. the swift advance across France and Belgium, In September 1944, dusing the ill-ficed Operation Marker Garden, the division charged north protecting the fank of 30, Corps and facing fierce German resireance along whac would be known as Halls Highway. The division adopted the tactics pioneered in Normandy of pairing an armoured battalion with an infantry one. The svo would fight as one ‘tactical uni, covering each other along the long advance WINTER 1944. After Market Garden, the Allis focused on widening the corridor they had opened. The division spent a further wo long months securing the front along the Maas River, While the 159 Infantry Brigade defended against series of deser mined German counterttacks, the 29° Anmoured Brigide withdeew co tearm with the new Comer tank. However, this proces: was interrupted by the German attack on the Ardennes Forest in Devember 1944, The 29" Armoured Brigade remounted their hardly serviceable Shermans and dutifully charged back into battle against the German 2. Panzerdaision, baling them ax the River Meuse. SPRING 1945 ‘Once the German threat in the Ardennes was eliminated, the 29° Armoured Brigade returned to reserves to receive their new Comet tanks, The new tank was an instant success wih the mee. Tied ofthe old Shermaa tank, the ctews were happy with the improved speed, heavier armour protection, and the powerful 77mm gun (a cut-down 17 pir gun) Rather than ‘support the othets with 17pde fire, the whele platoon sus ‘on the platoon’ one or two Firefly cans 0 now equipped witha gun capable of knocking out a Panther from the frone themselves with thee ‘and the tanks While the tankers familiaised awesome new tanks, the infant of the of the 154/19" Hussars continued to fight, supporting the Allied attacks through the Reichwald. By March, the division completed their transition ro Comets and the unit’ ‘seo hulves were brought back togetherOPERATION PLUNDER (On 24 March 1945, Field Marshal Bernard Monigomery launched Operation Plunder, « combined alrkorne and land operation to secure crosing over the Rhine. Two infanty est Dre ei soma lpn secured the opposite bank and the 11" Armoured followed dose behind The infantry ofthe 159% Infanicy Brigade once again paired up with che anks and off they rode ino bat THE WESER The divisions Grse objective was to reich che Waser River The 23 Husars and 8" Battalion, The Rife Brigade were paited up as 4 batlegroup: and Fought through German ambushes with ieriacing regulaiy. A fiiendly rivalry with the 2™Fife & Forfar! 4KSLI battegroup spured them on to Stolzenau, allowing che Hussars and Rifemen o win the race by five minutes. However the division came to a standstill tm the Weser asa determined German defence held them st bay. Even the Luffsffe made an appearance, bombing and strafing che division With the help of the I= Commando Brigade, the 11 Armoured finally gor across she Weser and catried on © the nest river, the Aller. Ang the way, che division was sub- jected co endless ‘bazooka’ ambushes and fierce bates with SS-Hiderjugend troops and Kriegimarine (navy They were ako subjected to fire from Luffuaffe heavy an tiaircraft weapons, ranging from 8.8cm ro 10.5cm guns The advance was frustratingly slow, when all the tankers wanted to do was open the throtle on their new Comets! soldier, THE ALLER By mid-April, the division reached the Aller River and once again cnicounrered stiff German resbtance. ‘The 1" Commando Brigade launched an amphibious assault svi ths Commees prestding Inogstatige fre babtad them: “The 4KSLI chen follosed up with 3° Royal Tank Regiment Bie eed. They quickly ran intoa pair of German Tiger heaw'tanks that ambushed and destroyed a couple of Comets, The Comets tried co flank the Tigers. Mud and dificult werrain made the job tough, but faally one managed wo gee in arcund a Tiger’ flank and knock it out. The other Tiger retreated and the division war back on trick. Finally across the Alle, the division now set its sights on the city of Libeck, near the Balric Sea and the Flhe Rive. HIGHWAY TO VICTORY [Ac the sare of May, the 2FF/Hersford bactlegioup reached the German Autobaby (motorway) to Libece and they renewed their race with che Hussary8RB_bactlegroup, The Comet crews finally hid the chance to open up their hotles to full. The infancy riders held on tight, as the Comets screamed along the road, loose stowage ving off and crashing ino the follow-up taffc, The race to Lilbeck was on, and this time it was the 2FF/Herfords who won, sd the sea south of the Danish Teer wed ee he Sorters padded cae oP he bes On The division then se 5 May, the surender ofall Geeman forces was accepted and the 11"celebrated a well-earned VE (Vicory in Europe) day along the Baltic and North Sea coustlines @@ 11™ ARMOURED DIVISION SPECIAL RULES ll An Armoured Squadron (page 8) and B Squadron, 159/19” Flussars (page 10) use all ofthe Bridsh special rules found on pages 246-248 of the rulebook. They ako ase the following special rules below PLATOON, DeBus! Aways paired with an armoured or armouted rece regiment, the infinery battalions of 159 Infantry Brigade are adepe st flushing out favzerfusr-amned Getman soldiers 0 the ranks can push on toward cheir objectives. Teams from Lorried Rifle Platoons have a 3+ Save while Mownted on a Tink team at Passengers instead of the ieareal £5 Sante args 10 oh alcool DucksiLis Duckbill tack extensions were developed t0 provide extra flotation for tacked vehicles in muddy conditions. These ‘ould be quichly installed when needed. At the tart ofthe gem a player ray el ‘MIOG I7par SP. Shermen AR’ Duchbil to fitall of th pe Sore tanks With Tes gre thom Wile Trace Gee page Gof ee cto) due makes cer mobiiy rating Stu TaekARMOURED SQUADRON TANK COMPANY pore ee eee eee ee eras Cee) Pa) rer od fel Poona Cog Sree Pre rag ate oePoh INZ NICO BEL Cae TI ARMOURED ‘The 11° Armoured Division is considered to be one of the finest ee eens Nee ae eee ec a ey sees CONFIDENT TRAINED An Armoured Squadron i rated Confident Veteran es HEADQUARTERS ARMOURED SQUADRON HQ. MAJOR eet ore ee NET OSE 1.Comet and 1 Cromwell VI.CS Bae poten | “Pry Command 20 Conmand oie) OP een eee ee NIC) ARMOURED SQUADRON 3% EES COMBAT PLATOONS ARMOURED PLATOON Bae) eure Ea aa The 11 Armouted made the fastest and deepest penetration df cape 0 ke the Bh ine te Germany and wih th Bee Cocice wake: tacy aally Vive the vest cocla-eo JS 7 BF The Conc te bes Bch tank ew, ele ser across country and berter armoured than any Allied medium ae om, tank, and its new 77mm gun packs as much of a punch 2s wa be 4 Panther’s gan, while stil firinga good HE round 4 well MDAC EEE WEAPONS PLATOONS Lita TU ol erent 4 Stuart VI Jalopy 185 points 5 Stuare VI Jalopy 140 points Recee Patrol are Beconnaitance Platoont The recce patrols have converted their Stuat light ranks to ‘open topped Stuart Jalopys. These ate very lighe and able Swat VJaboy to cross soft groune, while still having the speed to excel in the reconnaissance role. The 5° machine-guns are ample wo Pear deal wich Getman recon unsB SQUADRON, 15™/19™ HUSSARS TANK COMPANY HEADQUARTERS FY ‘You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may fild one platoon from each eer squaton ne Perry Bt rors Gm Coe A 4 a i 3 Es THE 15™/19™ HUSSARS The 15°19" Hussars was che 11% Armoured Divisions armoured reconnaissance regiment land tanks, che unit joined the division just prior to Operation Market Garden. As the Hussars were not sl Brigade, they 11597 lafaneey Brigade through the bates of the Reichwald. As ch, hey Ww with Comess, and even then there were nor ile B Sule ed bo tne das wich uc given all of the regiment’ operable Challengers and then filled their rank ed into troops armed ‘ o detach theiroN WCo PDR Ce eee gee eee ee By te ee ee ar aE Re ee ee de ¢ i make do with 1" ARMOURED Division Sd To ng alongside the MEE HEADQUARTERS B SQUADRON HQ HEADQUARTERS 1 Cromwell 1V and 1 Cromwell ICS | 170 point OPTION Re ey gene eet rece Me COMBAT P) CHALLENGER PLATOON Ler ‘4Challenger 3.Challenger 2Challenger 570 points 430 points 285 points ‘The A30 Challenger is the counterpart co the ermoued platoons’ Sherman Fire Ie carried a 17 pdr anti-tank gun fare puspeoe buileurrer, mounted oi a modified Crornmell tank chassis The rarer is rather bulky and lightly aemoured, Pe Bie ect roti grésly improves gurney Tes perfil engine ensures thar ican easily keep up with the fst moving armoured escce writs CROMWELL PLATOON PLATOON MAJOR Compary Conmand Creme 20 Connand roma WES SCUTONIE} LATOONS as “tee CconmandChalenger Challener 4 Cromwell 1V 380 points 3 Cromwell IV 285 points Armoured recce squadrons have been equipped with ‘Ceommwell inks since Normandy. The Cromwell was a late development of the Britsh Cruiser tank series. Though now ‘outclassed by the Comet, ie remains an excellent cank. Ie has 2 low silhouete, all-purpose gua, reasonable armour, and the poverful Meteot engine ~ based on the Ralls Royce Merlin accaft engine, On road, the Cromucl is fister even than the Comet. The Cromvells ate also reliable and their ‘crews love them. Comal IV CronwelV TANK Cromwel , 15™/17™ HUSSARSSAC UE STU a 1c Cole ees 4 Humber Scout cars ‘or Daimler Dingo 3 Humber Scout cars ‘or Daimler Dingo Unusually, the regiment, the 15/19! Hussars, was equipped with a mix ‘of Daimler and Humber scout cis, rather than Stuart light tanks, to scout ahead of the armoured column. Once on the German auzobabn, they are very fas. Raa Ee ee EEE BRIGADE SUPPORT PLATOONS MOTOR PLATOON SUBALTERN. PLATOON Okey 3 Motor Squads 140 poins | S32! Motor Squads 115 oi Cree cao Seer Ne a eee UNE ed Secreta Toes Z The infantry component of the 29" Ammoured Brigade was SEEN SST the 8" Bartalon, The Rifle Brigade. These loyal ecops art OST SS -LORRIED RIFLE PLATOON ITN Col HQ Section with: 3 Ritle 180 points 2Rifle 140 points olan eC eer eer! J The 159" Infancy Brigade is pained up with dhe 29° Armoured Brigade w offer strong infantry support. Is thatedions ae paired up with an armoured battalion aid sent inco battle t help keep the enemy's punzerfausts at b “Two companies would ride atop the leing tanks, while the thicd company followed up in lorries to reinforce the line oF _dear cough enemy stongpoints, Piel adele aCe ROYAL ARTILLERY Les 4M10C 17 pdr SP 2MI0C 17 pe SP. “The towed 17 pdr anti-tank gun has been reired fiom front Tine wse due o its bulky size. The crews have been reassigned to rear-security however, the self-propelled M1OC 17 pdr tank destroyers have been retained to offer immediate heavy antitank support when needed. AUEnns aia CORFORAL FANE att eM eam ee Ete ReyMG sem ANE AUINaranN B SQUADRON, 15™/17™ HUSSARS >ARMOURED CAR PLATOON LINC) Armoured Car Patrol with 2 Scout Car Patrols 1 Scout Car Patrol No Scout Car Patrols 235 points 175 points 115 points eaten Sere eee oes se Oe ee eee ee ee cree sere Armoured Car and Scout Car Patrol: operate as tparat ‘patrons, esc with their wm commasd tam, Armoured Car and Scout Patrole are Reconnaissance Plaioons Originally ised fom a cadte of Es piste te cok Cluster cree eee reconnaissance unis at the Allie’ disposal, with an uncanny ability ro locate safe routes of passage. When they encountered superior German forces they always gor themsches our of danger, We jest tac their extanedinary skills in reconnaissance and subterfuge must certainly stem from 4 pact with the Devil himself SAS TROOP Lo 225 points 150 points 75 points elaine een oes Armoured SAS Jeeps for #15 points perjeep. Arm any ofall jeeps with an. AA MG for +5 poi ac ee ec nn eee SAS Section with a hull-mounted .50 eal MG for eed SAS Sections operate ar separate platoons, each with their ‘ow command tea ‘An SAS Troop is sated Fearless Veteran, Part of the invasion of Germany included Operation Archway, the largestand most bold Special Air Service (SAS) Devil's Own: Vehicle vm an Armoured Car Platoon ‘may rol filed Still Tats to Disengage Gre page 194 of the ralebool. Command SASJeep —SAS.Joey SAS Jeep —____ Sa! >i aay ee gtd \—___ gia! [a ei tt Command SASJeep SAS Jeon ————SAS Jeep Unconventional: S48 Tacs special ruleon page 242 ofthe ruleboot. ms ute the German Mission ‘operaclon to date, Involving owe full squadrons with x rtal 6f 75 jeeps (some armoured) berween them, Aer crossingthe Rhine in LNT, they raced ahead to support the paratroopers of Operation Varsity, then came under the ‘command of the Inns of Court Regiment and served as the ‘yesand ear ofthe LT Armoured Division in Germanyete: SCOUT PLATOON eon 4 Scout Patrols 3 Scout Patrols 2 Scout Patrols 5 points points points 1 Scout Patrol points oat eee eens rete clams et ee nny a hull-mounted .50 cal MG per Scout Patrol for rennet Sl ee ee enone ey IAT anti-tank projector per Scout Patrol at no cost. pe a eee Sorcerers eed Scone Paras are Reconnaissance Platoon Scout Patrols equipped with Wasp Carriers are not Reconnaissance Platoons The scout plitoons of the motor and lorred battalions are mounted in fas, lightly armoured universal cattiess. They are ideal companions for the armoured and infantry bat- talions able 10 keep up with the Comets, Cromvsells, and mechanised Infuntry on road or across counuy. Thels small size and low silhouette makes therm hard to spot and perfect os eee LIGHT ANTI-AIRCRAFT PLATOON (SP), ROYAL ARTILLERY een {6 Bofors 40mm SP 4 Bofors 40mm SP 2 Bofors 40mm SP. 250 points 170 points 85 points ‘The Royal Artillery continues to supply expertly trained nners co the ranks of che supporting antiaircraft units that accompany the tanks Forward. Their 40mm Bofors guns are formidable aguinst the Few still Bying Luftwaffe planes When the Luftwaff is absent, the Bofors is a deadly weapon agains: dug in Germans, Universal Carrier Cartier Cara Comnane Unweral———Upiesa vera Garier Comer Came Commend Unwersal Unive Unive mi ESE Scout Patrols operate as separate platoons, each with their ‘own command team, SUBALTERN > Big tig Command Bofors mm SP Bofors Am SP een Bots sanins? B SQuaDRON, 15™/17™ HUSSARS 3%OPERATION TURNSCREW 51°* (HIGHLAND) DIVISION CROSSES THE RHINE ‘Over bundreds of years of British military history the Scorth regiments have developed a reputation far gallantry that was the envy’ of most gular atmy units. During the Second World War many of these famous regiments ere organised into divisions which carried on this proud legzey. One of the most famous, the 51" (Highland) Division, was formed in 1908 snd foughe duting the Fint World War before being reactivated in 1939. Comprising of mix of regular and territorial solders, the division was part of the British Expeditionary Force sent 10 France in 1940, However, when the tide sured against the Allies, rwo of the division brigades were forced to surrender The division was reformed and fought in North Afica and Sicily before returning ro England for the invasion of France BATTLES OF 1944 ‘The 51" (Highlind) Division landed behind the assate divisions as pare of 1 Comps between 6 and 10 June. They were hard pressed during the Normandy bates where they suffered several setbacks, which seriously impacted morale During che break out fiom Normandy, che Highlanders fought with vigour io restore thei dented reputation, After Normandy, the 51° (Highland) Divison cook pact in the battle: for Holland in Ostober 1944. In December following the German Ardennes offensive, the division tock pare inthe Allied counterattack ro restore the frontline. OPERATION VERITABLE With the German winter offensive over the Highlanders rook part in Operition Veritable, ‘heir goal was clearing of the ‘Geemsns from the high ground between the Maas and the Rhine Rivers As pare ofthe Britsh offensive, they overcame three lines of German defences including and-tank ditches, fortified villages, and trenches, General Brian Horrocks, the commander of 30 Corps, stated thatthe division hid never fight ee or cen essai Guest The 51" Highland Division was then given che chance to rst, sand refie, During this time che Northants Yeomaney were sent for revaining with LVT-4 Buffalo amphibious transports in prepanition for the asault erosing of the Rhine River, code named Operation lander OPERATION PLUNDER In early March 1945, the dvision was briefed on its role for Operation Pluader, The plan fr the 51 Turnscres, was prepared in great d knowns Operation ail, The crossing would eter eal by reet aber oop eriouarel Opa Inder the conteol of che British Second Army, che oer the Rhine at Recs. The 51* led the way wih ts 154° Infantzy Brigade on the lft and the 1537 Infanry Brigade on the righ Varsity SI eld ase ‘On 23 March, at 1700 brs a substantial preliminary bor Iedment saturated the cat bank of the Rhine. Avtilery Be From more chan 4000 guns was augmented with rockets and ieee icles “The infintry ofthe intial asaule group boarded their Bufalo anspor at 1900 hrs and began their cossing a 2100 bis. Despite some sporadic resistance, the German defenders had sea taken by sugprise and the Highlanders crossed safely Dring the nights Fighting, some companies experienced sift resieance, while others progresved well REES As the lead batalions of 154 Infantry Brigade secured the Inidal objectives, dhe 159° Infantry Brigade formed a bidge- head on eicher side of Rees but some elements were pinned clown oa an bland in the Rhine. Initially opposed by eve battalions fiom 8, Fllchirmyjagerivivion, dhe fight for Rees was ferce The majority of opposition carne from celle and emplaced machine-guns, bu snipes also held up the advance Panzergrenadier Regiment 115 of 15. Panzergrenadiendvision was maved in to counter attack and vas soon joined by Teles pee Re ea II Thee eect iad ‘ened tip the balance against the 51* (Highland) Division Sie taeriotia oes de otier eon ete eae ‘engage the bridgehead, Ducing 24 March, the Highhinders threw hick repeated German counterattacks, ‘The division ‘was fastlosing manpower, so final push was made to capture Rees and the line of fortified villags tothe north. With both brigades heavily engaged, the 9 Canadian Infantry Brigade ‘was committed 10 support che 154° Infintey Brigade, while the 1534 completed the capture of Rees at 1500 his an the afternoon of 24 March,MITTELBURG AND GROIN “The 1520 Infantry Brigade w: ssf in passing through 153° Brigade before advancing on Mitelburg and Groin but they found Groin co be very heavily defended and: did not asavle unt che night of 24 March, Machine gun fre ‘was incense and there was also accurae artillery fie falling “The Briesh prdiminay bombardment had churned up the toad and it was also blecked with fallen tes. Lackily che Highlanders were able co all on the suppore of xerman DD amphibious tanks which had crossed the Rhine and, with their help, they captured Groin despice casuahies mans counteratacked with lements The Highlanders withstood proceeded 1o finish clearing Mitelburg ‘ON TO VICTORY By 25 March bad shape. The German defenders had proven to ipped and highly mot: vated. They held the decisive high ground in the atea from where German artillery observers had clear lines of sight while the Scotish and Canadian infanuy struggled to locate and engage the enemy postions. the division was of he dive ira final push on the night of 25 Marc nent 104 and caused he sien, On 26 March, fresh reinforcements from the 43% (Wessex) and 3 Divisions mored in to replace the proud Highlanders casuals on 116, Pi adian hy the secure and the bridgshetd was Division was at las given the chance ro have nt On 3 April, chey enitned the offensive as par ofthe drive into Germany, celebrating VE Day in northern Germany, near Bremerhaven, OPERATION TURNSCREW 3¢OPERATION TORCHLIGHT 15TH (SCOTTISH) DIVISION CROSSES THE RHINE The regiments of the 15! (Scotish) Division made names for themselves during che Fist World War. Although di handed in 1919. rising tensions in Europe during the late 1930s resulted in the reestablishment of the division in April 1939. leas initially formed as a erricoil twin ofthe 52" (Lowland) Division and, due to itslow status, itdid not receive the same level of training and equipment asthe line divisions Unlike the 51 (Highland) Division, the 15% (Scotih) spent most ofthe early part ofthe war in Brtiin. They wete ‘moved from Scotland tothe south due wo the far of German invasion of Great Britain following the fll of France. During 1942, che diision moved north again to Northumberland and wis responsible for ceastal defence NORMANDY With the atack in Normandy well under way, the division landed in France on 24 June. Te division played key roles in operations and fought off Fierce counterattacks from elite German SS panzer divisions near Cien. Having proven themselves in che battles around Caen, the division was ranted a bref rest before going back into acion in August 1944, During September, the 15* (Scottish) was involved in rough fighting in the Netherlands in support of Operation Market Garden, OPERATION PLUNDER Alongside che 51” (Highhind) Division, the 15% (Scoctst) Division was earmarked t lead the assaule crossing of the Rhine River in Operation Pluadet. the division carried Dut two practice runs on the Maas River before Plunder went ahead, The role of the diviion, codenamed Operation Torchlighs, vas vial forthe success of Plunder, Along with establishing 1 bridgehead over the Rhine, they were tasked with linking up with the British 6" and US 17° Airborne Divisions ‘which were dropping in the arca just beyond the Rhine bridgeheads asa part ofthe supporting Operation Varsity. if the 15* (Sconsh) filed to break-through, the paratroopers ould be eue off and destroyed ina grisly repeae of Operation Ta help them achieve these objectives they were eupported by che 4!" Amoured Brigade which included amphibious Sherman DD tanks, and specialise assault tanks fiom the 33M Armoured Brigade. With news of the success of the 51° (Highland) Divisions crossing, the 15% (Scovtish) loaded up in IVT-4 Water Buffalo amphibious transports at midnight on 24 March 1945, Ae they made their way, 4 bombardment rook place. theniendous prepeetory The division's 44” (Lowland) Infantry Brigade attacked on the right Hank of the crosing, suffering casualties a they ‘overcame barbed wite on the enemy-held bank of the Rhine Despite some units filling below haf suengch, they pushed ‘on towards their objectives and, by 0330 hess all had been. secured. Meanwhile, the division's 227% (Highland) Infunery Brigade ‘was quickly on the back foot when their ransports lnded: them in the wrong place. The lead elements suffered heavy casualties as their sector was held by three companies of tough Fullchirmjige (parauoopes). Despite the confusion, the inital German sirongpoints were overcome after fierce hand-to-hand bates wie the Feller ger HAFFEN During the morning of 24 March, the division consinued te build up in the slim bridgehead shac had been carved ‘our during the night, Casualties had been high and the 227 (Highland) lnfantey Brigade paused to coordinate an attack on Haffen, the key to the right fank, held by Fullchitmjager Regiment 18 “The division's 46% (Highland) Infancry Brigade was com mitted 10 help open the way to Haffen, Opposition from ‘entrenched German machine-guns, self-propelled guns, and: slice cereain slowed the tacks By 1530 hrs, che Scottish brigade was fially in positon to assault Haffe, ‘he main ateack was made by elements ofboth brigades, With Haffen held by the dogged Fallichirmjiger-Regiment (8, re- stance was stif and Brush arullery fre had to be restricted due 0 the tskof friendly fire, Despite these hurdles, Haffen wasn Allied hands by 1800 hs although shere was sll resistance from bypased stiongpointsTHE LINK UP ‘On 24 March, Operation Varsity had gone ahead, and by the afternoon the 44° (Lowland) Biigade found tesetance crua- bling as the defenders became increasingly concemed with pclae ea iF by the soe ops its tor fonp bciee the 154 (Scottish) Division had linked up with both the Bricch 6! and US 17! Airborne Divisions. By 2300 hr, the majority of he division was in solid defensive postions and ‘over the following thrce days helped expand the bridgehead. Gl RIFLE COMPANY A Rifle Company (page 20) uses al of che British special rules following special rales below. BAGPIPES Bagpipers have piped the Scots regiments into battle for centuries. The tales of pipers walking through a hail off pipes wailing, abound. Eren the death ofthe office: they are accompanying will nt stop them, Ia 2iC Command tean with a Bagpiper ix Deseryed by enemy shooting, the enemy rllse Destroy the 24C Command tean using the Warrior Infanry Team Canals 1 rule 0 page 106 ofthe rulebook. However, nitead of requiring o 4» to Detroy the 2iC Command team, the enemy player nceds to rll a 5» 40 Detroy the tea Any hits ov the 21C Command ream do not count sowards Pinning Down the platoon or making it Fall Back from Defensive Fir To VicToRY With che Rhine crossing succesful, che 15% (Scottish) Division took part inthe further advance lnvo Geranany, and were selected to take part inthe final civer assault crossing of ee ccettie Elbe Hive ue part of Operuson Enkerraies on 29 April 1945, They then moved into northern Germany sceupying boeh Liheck and Kiel as resieancecollaped. J twelve months of fighting they had sffered 11,772 cas aisles but had forged a repucarion as 4 tough and flexible fighting unie wih astcong esprit de corps SPECIAL RULES Ei found on pages 246-248 of the rulebook. They also use the DucksiLis Duckbill track extensions were developed to provide extra flotation for teacked vehicles in muddy conditions. These ‘could be quickly insalled when needed, At the star of the game « player may cect to fit all ofthe following tonk types in their fre with Duckbille Ram Kangaroo APC Shermas DD Shermas lor Firefly IC MIOC I7pdr SP Sexton sf propelled gun Thi gives them Wide Tracks (ct page 61 of the rulebook) bout rakes their mability rating Slow Tank. OPERATION TORCHLIGHT *RIFLE COMPAN INFANTRY COMPANY Provera eeu ‘You must field one platoon trom ezch box shaded black and may field one platoon from each ros Btn Peo rowed B Aili od row Beeibs ed SECs cmt retry Dwi PeteseNO Em Despite some intial set backs in Normandy. all ofthe front line rife diviions ofthe British eee ee ra eh Rr ere ee ee eee eee eee A Rifle Conpany rated Confident Netes BRIMSH ORScOTS BATIALION Co) od Ran Me HEADQUARTERS RIFLE COMPANY HQ Deets ern en eae eae ee eC Ercten ee oat es ‘Add upto thee Sniper teams for +50 points perteam. RIFLE PLATOON IPN Coron) " 140 points ‘Add an Armoured Personnel Carrer Section with 3 Ram Kangaroo A IVT Water Buffalo +20 points 425 points Corer Se ee ec Perera nee Balfaloss witha 20mm Politen MG for +5 points per aun, Replace any or all Sile-mounted MGs on any or all IVE-4 Water Buffaloes with Side-mounted .50 cal eee ert re ee eee ctr oe eres a USING ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS. +E "team +t RIFLE COMPANY HQ aReET Ee att FMG toni tan Fue att IMS team Rill team EE Dae “The men of the Scotush reginents have b ne of the toughest fighter: in che Britsh army sino: the days of Wetedio: Whethes rom the Highland 5: Scotia (Lowland) units, they are proud warriors who will get the job done, “They have fughe ll the way from Normandy and Holland to Germany and are now hardened veterans. Tor the Rhincland battles they have been equipped with Ram Kangaroo Armoured Personnel Carties, These are converted Canadian Ram tanks that allow tbe infantry te Additionally, special amphibious LVT Warer Buffaloes are ovailable for the expected rverc suvance under fir RIFLE COMPANY 3MEE WEAPONS PLATOONS CARRIER PLATOON ern 4 Carrier Patrols 3 Carvier Patrols 260 points 175 points 90 points 2 Carrier Pateols 1 Carrier Patrol fearon) ‘+ Arm any or all Universal Carriers with an extra hull: eee col eer Pee ee ea ces Cee EES eyecare a eee ene en nr? Se ee eee Mea eee aa Replace all Universal Cartiers in up to ewo Carrier Patrols with Wasp flame-chrower carries: for Seren Carver Patrols operate as separate platvons,esch with their ‘own Command tam, Carver Patrols equipped. with Universal Carriers are Garier Patrols quipped with Was) Cariers are not Recennatsiance Patoons, PIONEER PLATOON LIPS Koro) Penns oli) Se recs een ea pret aerens Youmay replace up ro one Pioneer Rifle eam wich a Flame thrower teams atthe sar of the game before deployment Each infantry bacalion contains @ unit of pioneers with ‘combat engincering training. These tmops aze able to clr mines remove obstacles, repair bridges, and, iPneeded, take ‘out defensive strongpoins in attack. They ako carry demo- ltion and other engineering equipment with them t ensue that there isno delay to the timetable for the offensve =— i: a Command Une) Univeral unverssiCerier “Tamer Care ners RRIERPATR Career Usveren Coie Carer Usvrs Cie Care Univeral cartiers have served since the start of the war and are still proving to be extremely useful vehicks in support ‘of the sille platoons. Their speed and low silhouette make them ideal for seouting duties, They can be equipped sith variety of weapons, ftom extra machine guns to PIATS, in ‘ase they encounter enemy armour. Some carters have also ben fied with flame-theowers ax Wasp famie-tanks. These are not used ina scouting role but resered for assault Burra SUEY aa at ear Pioneer PonesrANTI-TANK PLATOON LIST Okc ‘GOQFS pdr ate) 4 00F6 pdr ate) 2OQF6 par late) OPTIONS + Add Troop and Loyd Carriers for +5 points for the feel Ce eee eer teen ela amphibious tucks per Anti-tank Section at no cost Soke en ee est eer 205 points 140 points 75 point: The infantry anticank platoons remain equipped with their reliable six-pounders co defend against councer-attacks by 116. Penzerdvision, ‘They have excellent penetration power thanks co new ammunition, as well 2 useful High Explosive (HE) round. The rifle unit? ant-cank guns come in platoons of six and have Loya Careers to keep them up swith the advance, or even amphibious DUKW trucks forthe Rhine crossing MORTAR PLATOON TN coro Poke 3 Morur Sections with a toal of 6MI3” MET 2 Mortar Sections with a total of 4ML3" kIT 1 Mortar Section witha toral of 2ML3” MEI 175 pointe 120 points 65 point. Cora Oe eee ene recon eet Replace all Troop and Mortar Car DUKW amphibious truck per Mort eee ketene ee ees ‘The 3° MkII mortar continues co be the primary source of direc fire support for frontline rie units. These weapons havea high rate of fie, good punch, and cin fire smoke as ‘well as HEE. A fll uni of six tubes can blanket enemy lines with HE or smoke, Both armoured and amphibious eras ports are available o lee them keep up with the adrance. Parts) ate command Pietoom aaron oar eerie) gun — "GRAD. OF pert) gn (UF pz gun AM Qt MLS Mk ML gk an Bit Observer MLS" Ml filtesm —aaae RIFLE COMPANY "SHARD. 0F8 per itl gon 00F rate gun Rt Bt NLS" tau ML at CERES ait Mg7 MEE BRIGADE SUPPORT PLATOONS EEE MACHINE-GUN PLATOON LIEN Cro Lenny 44 Vickers HMG 140 points 2 Vickers HMG 75. points OPTION eee RN cee ene ee ere ns oe ene ents foe +5 points for the platooa. The HQ Section rides See ees Vickers heavy machine-guns of the machine-gun ability to provide sustained fire sgainss enemy infantry: Avsaultng chem direcly ie vicually ‘impossible, making them a valuable aset for the infancy anillery bon irinfanery rier: give the unit good platoon have a tremend They can alo support atacks with long-an bardments, pinning che enemy down ahead of ye assault. Their specialist MMG protection and excellent mobility. HEAVY MORTAR PLATOON LPC) Pees MLA) 155 points 2ML4. 80 points fearon See eee ene eee a pen + Replace all Troop and Loyd Carriers with ewo DUKW amphibious tucks pet Mortar Section t no cost. The HQ Section rides with a Mortar Section. ‘At the brigade level, 4,2" heavy mortars can provide im- mediate heavy fre suppor. Their sods are much larger than the 3-inch mortar rounds and they can smash through ‘enemy trenches and other defences. They are light enone ‘up with the infanssy and have cither armoured or amphibious transports. Aen MACHINE CUN 'SECTION Presa Essien) Bury Nara ou +e ak fiteweon fete CREaIe RAYE BAH | BH gat NLA2"nonar MLA2" nocar EENGAYSEATENCEN