tf SseTHE BATTLE FOR OMAHA BEACH D-DAY, 6 JUNE 1944 Wriuen by Phil Yates, Seven Peak Playtce Group Auckdand City Guard (Daman Reid, Elite exer Sianovich, Jon-Paul Brigott “The Shedsters (Paul Turner), Ausinans Writers Jonathon Forse Sprit of War (Nicold Dz Lie), Alun Galle, Seven Ross C.Co, Game Korps (Anthony Beaver. Proof Read: Pal Beach, Chiis Bric, Joho, Hutton, Neal Smith Phoeggapht: National Library of New Zealand, (Graphic Derign: Dion Holswich, Casey Davies Imperial War Museum, Bovingsoe Tank Museuas, Maniarurs Designs Bran Men ‘Australian War Memorial, Gover Are Vincent Wa Roger Key Psvate Collection, Internal Art Randy Elie, Vincens Wish NARA, National Archives OF Canada, Ministre: Psnting: Jeremy Painter, Wayne Turner ‘wien 2modelimakerco Ternsin Modelling: Dale Pepperell US Army Signal Coeps Phorgrsply:BatlefioneSeudio CONTENTS ‘Omaha Bead sresnsns 2 German Painting Guide ws 8 US Painting Guide. 12 1* Big Red One’ Infantry Division. sonia 12 29% Blue & Grey’ Infantry Division. Festungskompanic . 13. Brigadier General Norman ‘Dutch’ Cota. 37, Kampfgruppe Meyer. 19 LCVP Boat Section Loading Plan 352, Fisilierabteilung nnn 19 Assault Company ... 1352. SG Abteilung cnn Special Rule Wiederstandnest 66. 20 US Arsenal. Deployment and Tactics nnenenanenan 21 Pointe du Hoc Fortifications. 22 The Batle for Pointe du Hoc 24 German 352. Infanteriedivision 25 US 2"! Ranger Battalion “The Battle for Easy Green.. 26 2 & 5* Ranger Battalions Easy Green Map... a 27 Ranger Company sen German 352. Infanteriedivision ..sunnn Ranger Special Rules... US 29° Infantry Division wssunnnninennnee 28 “This isa supplement For Flames Of War, the World War [Tmindacires game. A-copy ofthe rulebook for Flames Of War ie necessary o ally use the contents of chis book All rights reserved. No part ofchis publication may be reproduced, stored in a retieval system, or tansmiced, in any for o® by any fieans without the prior wristen peumission of the publisher, nor he otherwice clrulated in any form of binding or cover other han tae in which tis published and without similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. {© Copyright Bctieront Miniarses Lec, 2007. ISBN: €-958-2755-3.SS ea eae By the beginning of June 1944 the beaches of the tranquil French coast of Normandy had been cransformed by the Sccupying German Army into something not neatly so PPleturesque. A dozen bunker complexes dotted the high Bei Blois overlooking the five kilometre-long crescent of sand Bie between Viervillesur-Mer and Collevillesur-Mer, lietered © sith obscactes designed to punch holes in any landing, craft Piling to brave them. Ar each end, forbidding cliffs lined the waters edge, making an assault there impossible. Four agli, ‘draws’ tothe Americans landing ther, sliced through the forbidding bluffs. These were the only way off the beach for vehicles, and che most heavily fortified points. The most important of the draws were the ewo to che exse called D1 arx! D3 by the Allies, as both had roads swinding up inland from the beach. The beach the Allies codenamed Omaha had "Become the outer wall oF Hitler's Festung Europa, Forttess 6 Europe, and the English Channel its moar ‘SURPRISES © Across his countryside witid and rain came in a dark grey Pi mass that blotted our the sun, Weather repoits from the FP German meecozologiss predicted mach the sume forthe rex of the week. With the stormy weather and the lace af Allied J xciiViqy many of the Axis commanders wete away from their confident that the expected invasion was still fr off ‘The defenders were thus shocked to sce the Allied fleet off the coast in the eaily morning hours of 6 June. For the Allies the day would begin wich an surprise. Allied intelligence services expected the def Omaha Beach wo be a single second-rate battalion. Their maps put the welltraine and equipped 352, lfimteriedivision Infantry Division) at St, L8 far co the rear: Unknown tothe Allies, che division had moved forward, taking over the Iheach defences at Omaha months eazlier, What they already expected to be a hard fight had become even harder 52 & Gay bmweo® Frovsionnt : ane hwaray neni d Grow, Drsion. BIEN . eee OMAHA BEACH H-HOUR 06:30 D-DAY 6 JUNE 1944 ciiiidiuaimieena ces oe THE ALLIED PLAN Aboard the Allied fleet, ro American divisions boarded their landing craft. The “Big Red One Infantry Division, also nicknamed the ‘Fighting Fiss¢’, was a vereran of sevetal amphibious landings and campaigns in North Africa and Sicily Its men were tested and ready for bale, They we: 16 land 10 the east on beaches codenamed Fasy Red and Fox Green to secure che El and E3 draws north of Collevile. ‘The other Allied division at Omaha was the green 29% “Blue and Grey’ Infanery Division made up of part-time soldiers from the Nasional Guard, now turned professional. Filled with men who had previously been friends and neighbours, she unit was well rained, eager end ready for the task at hhand—despite being new to combat. The ‘29m’ had been assigned Dog Green, Dog White, Dog Red aad Easy Green beaches. Their mission was to secure the D1 and D3 draws ac Viervilleand Mont les Moulins ‘The Germans had long suspected that the Allies would land ar high tide and had builr theie beach obstacles with this i ad, the Allied plan for Omaha Beach called for 2 landing at low tide at around 0630hrs. This would enable the assault oops to sweep ashore ia the early morning while specially trained and equipped combat engincers blasted away the beach obstacles to allow the follow ap waves to fand as the tide rose. Specially constructed Sherman Duplex Drive (DD) tanks, ‘Donald Ducks’ to their crews, with ‘canvas screen around the tank and propellers so that they ‘could swim to the beach, were to land just ahead of the fist wave of assault troops to ‘tank landing crafe could reach the beach ‘mind, In; c them armoured support uneil THE PLAN UNRAVELS Like every plan, the artack began ta unravel even before the first troops landed. Bombers, naval gunfie, and rockers all 3sereamed over the men in the boats leaving some of them to:wonder if there would be anything lei for them to fight Nee, the bombs, shells and rockets caused remarkably litle damage to the defenders. When the troops hic the beach they found the defences were intact and fully manned. ‘The tanks thae were to rumble ashore ahead of the infantry tan into theie own problems, For the 741" Tank Battalion supporting Big Red One, it was a disaster, Commanders made the call to launch the tanks co swim ashore in the Iheavy seas. Some plunged like stones to the sea borcom ‘upon launching. Others foundered closer to the shore. OF the 32 Sherman DD canks allocated to Big Red One, only. five made it to the beach. The commander of the 743" Tanke Battalion in support of the 29ers, made the opposite cal Tnstead of launching the tanks in the heavy seas, he sent their Janding craft straight to the beach. As a result, the 29ers had. fulltank support on their beaches with al 32 eanks making i ashore, albeit well behind the infantey they were to protect. “The infantry had even bigger problems than their lack of tanks, The fast currene and billowing smoke from brush fires made navigation difficult for the landing craft. Some units, such a5 Big Red One's Fox Company of the 16" Regiment, hie the beach in the cortect spat. Others like che 29ers! Easy Company, 116" Infancey Regiment missed their beaches completely, ending up on the same section of beach as Fox Company, kilometres from theit assigned area, Infantry The bloodiest introduction to France was that of Able Company, 116" Infamury Regiment, in the Dog Green sector. The company literally ceased to exis in a few minuces of heavy fie. Yet for other units there would be mixed bless- ings. Brush fires on the bluffs overlooking the beach blinded fhe defenders in places. George Company, 116* Infantry Regiment, landed in good order, suffering few casualties in reaching the seawall that ran the length of the beach, No matter where they landed, the dazed and confused troops faced an uphill bale. Along line of dead and dying comades marked their path up the beach. Everywhere platoon and company commanders were missing or dead. Reaching the cover of the seawall, the assaulting troops froze under the unexpected weight offre LEADERSHIP ‘What had stared 2s a plan with well-defined regiments and. divisions soon disintegrated inco fights by small reams of men. The American formations coming ashore were hope: lessly muddled and disorganised. For the Germans, the average strongpoint garison was just 30 men, cut off and, fighting alone. The side with their leaders ae the front would be the one that prevailed. Teas into this quagmire of death and destruction chat men like Brigadier General Cora, Depury Commander of the 29% Infansry Division, walked like the heroes of antiquity ‘General Cota made his way to the beach to ascertain what ‘was happening ashore. Gathering about him a group of men fiom the 116" Infanuyy Regiment and che 5 Ranger Battalion, he formed bis own ad-hoc platoon. Soom his men began to slowly make theie way inland chrough gaps in che wire by going up the bluffs rather than the well-defended draws Corals men finally reached the top of the blufs behind ‘Hamel-au-Prétre at approximarely 090hrs To the east, the men of the veteran 1” Infantry Division inflated the high ground as well. Part of Easy Company, 16" Infanuyy Regiment led by Licutenanc John Spalding ‘managed co head straight inland without pause, With small groups of men the troops now attacked the enemy reinforce ‘ments, effectively cutting off the defenders on the beach. Elsewhere on the beach, the carnage continued as beck: and difing landing caf rolled in de su, Sever US Ia ag *Boyes saled"in perl asia ands, co pound German defeices wit dicet ‘captains simply watched to see where the surviving fantry and tani of thei guns same locations: Huge chunks of Erjground vanished under chee fe. The batlesh Biased defences spac, Dazed and confused under repeated imp $6 from the large shell, the defender’ ire started to slacken, Ba ice 2s ss inch guns to batter D1 draye, smash “he grim base reports = General Bradley co hale dhe Landings and divert he f © > alco Utah Beach, Yeeby mid-day, while the ising tide ran the bate tthe waters edge was mosey avec groups of soldiers worked their way inland. Survivors of the ranger units who landed in Charl le good use oftheir training, assaulting che defences along the bluff Vhere they rook ground, they held it. The anticipated coun- terartcks never materialised in any sore of srength. Be ing the invasion fer alm Rages WAVE INFANTRY Tapa aanNGs With American roops now behind the beach defence strongpoints began to fall. Cat off and with no communi cations with their higher headquarters the German «roops slowly succumbed, slipping away, or surrendering to the sulting infantey One by leared for men and vehi 1, the draws changed hands and the way was move ofthe beach, While the ot reach as far as other landings, and the green 29ers had caken penetration at Omaha did the veeerans of Big Red the beach in the fce of formidable opposition, holding the high ground up to a mile inland by day's end. ‘An optimistic Geneal Getharde commanding th 29! Infaniry Division summarized the lesons of D-Day in his after bate repore as follows 'No sepores of disaster | THEY ARE NEVER TRUE’. Omaha 1h was now open for busines.ALLIED aft approach, Fiese gaps in beach obstacles. ee Pec 3 Allied’ movement to the end ofthe day 9 Positions atthe end of Us UNITS i ee) yooh | AXIS Barbed Win Gun in casemate MG Tobruk Mortar Tobruk fh FlwaT Obstacles (hedgehogs, stakes, amps ee) 1 the end of the day. GERMAN UNITSSF the division in a new bare of annihilaion on the Western ‘352, Infenteredivisin (352 Infantry Division) rose from the ashes of 321. Infanteriediviion, destroyed in che Soviet F Sounceroffensive following the Battle of Kursk on the Eastern D¥Front, A stuong cadee of combat veterans survived co lead Ble. The division began musteringin earnest at St. Ld, in PPNScmandy, on 5 November 1943, recelving young 18 and 19 year old recruits from Hannover, Germany. “The German Army was in poor shape, 1943 had brought sdefearin the east at Kursk, and! in the west in Affica and Traly. © Allavailable manpower and equipment were needed to ster the ever increasing maclteom that was the Soviet affensives in the east In the wes was imminent, Manpower shortages and incessant bombing. brought severe food rationing, Many ofthe young men called Up for new divisions were undernourished, but the German ‘Army could no longer afford to be picky: An extra ration of trill instead of cigarectes would have to suffice the invasion of France, long awaited, As the commander, ic fell upon. Generalleumant Diettich Kriss awarded che Knights Cross with Oakleaves and the German Cross in Gold) to make his division ready to figh. Hand his staff worked ceaselessly v get equipment. Heavy ‘weapons were scarce, ceucks almost unobrainable, Shoreages of ammunition and fuel meant a bare minimum of weapons tilling and virtually no driver taining. Err ENT co (ones are yer eae cr vee) eet cae Romer ice nN Wrest 5 a: Peeeesn Sores 439. OST BATTALION cee Coste Romar teats) ee 352. INFANTERIEDIVISION (14,460 SOLDIERS) Weer Treg Front) tier 2 Conta ie ME In spite ofthese shortages and spending up to 8 hours a day Jabouring on beach defences, by May 1944, 352. Infamere- vision was fully combat seady—a state that no other infantry division in the Normandy area could even aspire to, The biggest question on their mind was where would the division fight nex? 352, Infneredivision had eaken over half ofthe Normandy coastal sector from 716, Infimeriedivision, a second-rate static division, but expected to be ealed back to the Eastern Front at any moment. Is sive had grown with the attach. ment of 726. Greuadiereginent (726% Infantry Regiment) and 439. Ost Bsailon (439% Eastern Batalion) from the previous garison, but it had lost 915; Grenaderegimens and the divisional fuser btealion, combined into Kampferuppe ‘Meyer (Batdlegroup Meyee) the mobile reserve for is parent LXAXIV Armeckorps (84! Areny Corps) This loss cose the division all ofits sel propelled guns, and truck and bicycle ‘mounted infantry D-Day, 6 June, answered the question oF where the division would fight ‘The division reacted immediatly with all of che division’ assault guns, tankchuncers, and self © propelled anti-sircrafe guns 0) 2 916. GRENADIERREGIMENT 916. Grenadierreginent, commanded by Obert Exnst Goth, took over the sector of 11/726 batealion from 726. Grenader- men. The regiment kept ifs own 1/916 battalion, bue traded 1/916 batzalion for 11/726 which stayed in place. Genenalcuinant Keaiss did not expecta landing in his arca, being far more worried about each of his flanks instead, so he ignored Genenafildmarschall Rommel’ orders to put every- thing on the beach. As a result he kept part of the II/916 batealion in reserve for local counterattacks < When the Americans landed on Omaha Beach, Rommel was proved right. Only the troops in che fortifications overlook: ing the beach ar the stare ofthe bartle ever fred on the troops fon the beaches, the reserves never artiving, Having failed to hold the beaches 916. Grenadierregiment Found itself defending the many small rowns just in from the ‘coast at the end of D-Day, ADIERREGIMENT _ FIELDING 914. GRENADIERREGIMENT You can Field 914. Grenadierregimene in Flames Of War as a Festungskompanie from 352. Infinteriedivision ( “€)) (see page 13). . As 439, Os Basaillon (wg) was acached to this regiment, it makes a good flavourful suppore choice, particularly if held Jn ceserve. With all of the SG asault guns and Marder sank-hunters operating with 915. Grenadierregiment, they are unsuitable choices. Their absence is more than made up for by che presence of 1. Flaksturmregiment (IP Anc-aitcraft Assault Regiment) in che regiments secor chough, making plenty of anci-aircraft guns an excellent option. Because the 914. Grenadierregiment was not defending a coastal sector, they had few fortifications and no bunkers, making up for this with a more aggressive defence. 915. GRENADIERREGIMENT “The regiment spent most of D-Day marching ro and feo, before finally being committed ro battle in the defence of ayeasx against the British advancing from Gokd Beach, FIELDING 915. GRENADIERREGIMENT You can field 915. Grenacierregiment in Flames Of War as Fésilierkompanie (see page 19) or as 1352. Stu Abrellung {also on page 19). ‘These forces are mobile and well prepared for the counter- attack role, having plency of armoured vehicles rather than static fortifications. FIELDING 916. GRENADIERREGIMENT You ean field 926, Gronadieregiment in Flames Of War a8 a Festungskompanic from 352. Infinteredivision ( (see page 13) This regiment was dg in defending the beach. Having lows of fortifications and bunkers is an excellent option giving you plenty of choices and the correct avout. A platoon from 726: Grenadtérregimene (feb) males fox a very bistoHE support choice to man your beach defences, freeing the better trained croops from your own regimene for a councer- attack role ‘The regiment lacked any form of mobility, since all of the StuG assault guns and Marder tank-hunters were assigned to 915. Grenadieregiment, although including them as a ‘what iP option if they had counteratracked at Omaha Beach rather than Gold Beach isa possibilicy.ea aaa es Pitiiamanemnniaile as eNraazenviNiy Oberst Walter Korfes’ 726, Grenadieregiment was origin- ally. pare of the second-line 716. Infantriedvixion. When 352, Infansericdivision was assigned part of that division’ sector, 726, Grenadieregimenceame wader the eontrol of the nav division along with its sector. With its sectorsplic in half, che regiment swapped is 11/726 battalion for 19116 battalion from 916. Grenadierregiment, lee is 11/726 batalion with its old division, and keps its ‘vn 1/726 batalion. Obert Korfes placed his own 1/726 Battalion forward and kepr the V9U6 bataon in reserve ‘The 726: Grenadierregiment sector Fel berween the landings ‘4t Omaha and Juno beaches and spent most of D-Day at- tempting to secure its flanks against the Allied advances. the 352. Infonceriediviion headquarters FIELDING 726. GRENADIERREGIMENT. You can field « Festungskompanic from 726 Grenadier regiment ({:-) in Flames Of War (se page 13). ‘This uni has litde in the way of support. Almost all of few weapons are mounted in the beach fortifetions: Ty antillery is old Czech 10cm le 14/19 howitzers fiom 716. Infanteriedivsin, “that litle mobile support it has conte from a platoon from 916. Grenadieregimentin support a5 counterattack reserve 439. OST BATTALION 239, Ost Basaillon (439 Bastern Battalion) was made up of {EC-Sovier soldiers released fom the prisoner of war camps fo fight for their capeors, As can be imagined, they were noc particularly ager to fight against the western Allies, although some would have liked the chance £0 fight against Stalin’ Zegime on the Eascern Front Despite being led by Getman Non-Commissioned Officers the Ostruppon were never trusted by their German come anders. The batalion was initially given a reserve tole op the estuary of che Vire River, where it was auached 16 9 Grenadieregiment, As predicted by thee leaders, most unit in the Ost Baailon quickly fll aparconce in combat. MAKING YOUR FESTUNGSKOMPANIE redivision was so mixed in the organisation and quality ofits troops eee eer ne eee ‘The symbol indicates a platoon’s Motivation and Training ratings. See ere ee cee pany (marked e). Whichever company you choose, eg Deeemeecny eee or eee to Rees egg rer F each type of platoon, ee Se ee eee as Se ees eee sao nee ty Peper ee eee ear eere eet ncn eee ec DaSd $352. Infanceriedivision is always on the defensive. 2 AFotungshompanie or Fasierhompanie always defends against Sanat Infantry Company in missions that nse the Defensive FORTIFICATIONS “he plus side is that they are manning fertications. As a ssl you can fic forufcations in any bate In-any game chat does not ase the Fortifications special ruler (page 217 ofthe rulebook) a Festungrhompanie may purchae orications fom pages 22 and 23 ai part oftheir force wsing alee! joer A foriaions mac be deployed n your deploynen a vrata fleeone ponent aber ableton EVERYTHING MUST FIRE ON THE BEACHES: With every possible weapon sited to fire on the beaches, the few troops held back for the camps reserve are the only counteratack force available, Being sited well back from the beaches, they are unable co intervene anywhere quickly When oop rom a Festungskompante are in Reserve, they only anrive on table on a vol of 6 instead af the usual roll of 5. In adivion, platoons with vebiles mat be selected to beheld in Reserve before platoons on foot, with platoons having Armoured teicles selected fist robe held in Reserve. When platoons arrive from Reserve, they must arrive in the following order: platoons without vebicles rst, then platoons with Unarmoured vebices, and platoons with Armoured vehicles last, AIR SUPPORT (Only wo German aircraft, wo FW 190 fighters led by Oberst "Pipe Prile, attacked the entire Allied force on D-Day A Fesungshompanie, Pisilierkompanie, or StwG Abteilung ‘cannot have any Air Support aT 1B) ‘OPEN BUNKERS Some of the bunkers defending the beaches are incomplets, ‘open tothe sky and lacking overhead cover. Open bunkers fallow she rules for Bunkers (page 210 in the rulebook) in al respects, excep that When a hit Pins Down an open bunker, the shooting plajeh sonmediately makes a second Firepower Tes for the shooting weapon: + A succesful rest will Destroy the open bunker + A fasled test leaves the open bunker Pinned Down, but ovherwise unharmed. However, guns wish the No HE atrribute cannot Destroy an open bunker STATIC ROCKET LAUNCHER An entire heavy rocket bactery was emplaced behind Omaha Beach, sited to fire on the troops as they landed. 28cm sWGAI rocket launchers use the Saka zu Fus special rile (page 167 of the ralebook), but have only four rocket: instead of six, As-a resull, they onky have four aitemps to range in Treat them as Teined troops when rolling to his after ranging fn. Once fred, the entire team is removed from the game Static rocket launchers are Open Bunkers and not part of any platoon. They may use any Command team as a Spotter provided thas the Commuand team as noe moved since the start of she game. As none of these teams are trained arullery obtero= 1, they receive the same +1 penaley to range in as a Company Command team. GOLIATH DEMOLITION CARRIERS The Goliath demolition carriers are emplaced in. small tunnels on the edge of the beach. ‘The controller must use them where they are—there is no way of moving them, Remove the Goltath remote-control demolition carrier from a eam equipped wich one ifthe team moves. FORTIFICATIONS ARSENAL Range 8.Bem PaKA3 gun 407N100cm 2 75cm (or7.62em)FK gun 24"/60cm_— 2 7.5em PaK97/38 gun 24"160em 2 Sem PaK38 gun 24"160em 3 Sem KwK gu 24° 160em 3 em FlaK38 gun 16"140em 4 HMG 24"160em 6 Tank eureet 167H40em 2 or 167400m 4 40°N100em 28cm sWGAI rocket launcher TOF Anthaak ‘Hepows Now | re | ioe | i | aera f 4+ Allround firing slit All-round firing slit, Anti-airerat. 6 — ROF2.when Pinned Down. All-round firing slic. f 6 All-round firing slit. ‘Static Rocket Launcher(INFANTRY COMPANY) | A force based around a Festungskompanie muse contain: + 1 Company HQ, and. 2 or 3 Grenadier Platoons, ‘Weapons Platoons available co 2 Fescungskompanie are: (010 1 Machine-gun Platoon, and + 0 t0 1 Mortar Platoon. Support Platoons available toa Festungskompanie are Oto 1 Scout Platoon, 0 ro | Infantry Gun Platoon, Light Anri-tank Gun Platoon, Assaule Gun Platoon, or Tank-hunter Platoon, Deco I Anillery Battery, Do 1 Ant-aitcraft Gun Platoon, 0 co 1 Anci-aireraft Assault Platoon, and (0 co 1 additional Grenadier Plaroon, You may have ene Support Platoon for each Grenadier Platoon you field. Your force may include fortifications (see pages 22 and 23) using the Fortifications rule on the previous page. LS TZMolU Uy QC TTS + Replace either or both Command SMG teams with Command Panzetknacker SMG teams for +5 points poe Add Anti-tank Section for +25 points. Replace the eer eee ar et ce) ee eee PREVOST Ce eed eae eee eae oF eee Add up to three Sniper teams for +50 points per E1CompanyHQ 30 points Replace cither or both Command SMG teams with Command Panzerknacker SMG teams for Ps PeRB Ue rN cee en a ett for +30 points, with three Light Mortar teams for ee Re MOTIVATION AND SKILL “The soldiers of 914, 915, and 916 Grenadirregiment AQ) 0: sd by Ono ern, Te comb TYP and morale are good and they are confident of| victory, being rated as Confident Veteran. With more experience building fortifications than training for battle, 726. Grenadieregimentis rated as Confident Trained “The supporting 439. Ox Bnis formed fom caprured Sovier soldiers who prefer serving in the German ‘Army to serving in a prisoner of war camp, giving chem a rating of Reluctant Trained. Although a Lajseaffe (German Ait Force) unit, SES 1. Falsturmregiment was tasked with both ant BZ airerafe and anti-eank defence in suppore of the division. "The crews aze unhappy about having w ‘engage tans, so are Reluctant Trained, EWAN HAUPTMANN itt ttt Company Command 2i¢ Command ‘a6 oar ‘Switeam SEINE) EUSTON [A Fessungskompanie (pronounced fest-oongs kom-pan-e), SRT SEMC ZONE or Fortress Company, is a Grenadier company assigned 0 rene rec ee aco the beach defences of Normandy. The company mortars and anti-tank rocket launchers are allocated to the platoon, strongpoints, Separated like this, their fre i noc intense, bus immediately available where i is needed. Add up to three Sniper teams for +50 points per i TouCOMBAT PLATOONS enlashahennemtemeeeemennarnenmieeen eT 2 OR 3 GRENADIER PLATOONS Blo Teer 3 Grenadier Squads 2 Grenadier Squads Peco Rer recast ec rare) Dees hen ers ‘+ Equip one MG team with a Goliath remote-control- Reena ae eee erty for +30 points, chee 120 points 85 points een een ee ‘controlled demolition carrier as well as its normal weapons for +30 points, ‘The Grenadiers defending the D-Day beaches were caught by surprise, bueare sill confident of their ability to hold the Anica bay until the Panaers strived to finish the job, ‘Although the ones on Omaha Beach wete not quite ready in time for D-Day, the Goliae remore-contesled demoli tion carriers emplaced as parc of the beach defences could hhave caused many casualties amongst the first wave of the The rules for remote-control demolition carriers are-on page 217 of the Flames Of War rulebook. LEUTNANT. ttt 4 conmand™5 team Commend Rie tam tet tt EMG team HX MGteam RigiMG—, ileMG *4)MG team Fie ENLIST GRENADIER SQUAD Er tH tH IMG ceam EMG team faents ile CHIE CREWE AIPAC ‘The troops of 352, Infinceriedvision wore exceptionally well equipped. Instead of the 43 machine-guns usually allocated to a Grenadier battalion, they had 60 machine- Bee eae ce eee fon. As a result they are not rated as Rifle/MG teams, Dua cat WEAPONS PLATOONS PLATOON Coke n ni OPTION + Replace Command SMG team with 2 Command recs The fogs numer of mack ees divisions to form heavy machine-gun platoons. Even he comparatively well equipped 352, Infanteriedivision only had three heavy machine-guns in each battalion. These are used to form a Schwerpunks, or focus, of the defence and 1 give counterattacks an extra punch, FRA Moshe UNEeEHE MGe2 HG \ SSSI — MACHINE-GUN PLATOON.| PEM tt ae Command SMG team Observer File team EERE em Gwst dem awa PETE 65 points fem GWt Gem GWG4 + Replace Command SMG team with a Command nora mortar eames ceeny eee tetrt DIC ENTCION Trey bacalion of 352. Jifinreriedivson asa plaroon of six ; medium mortars for fire support. While medium morcarsare group, massing their fire on whichever section Of the beach ot particularly deadly against dug in soops, their ability «9 _ is mosey threatened a the momcne. With an observe Tange in quickly makes chem useful against toops stoning atached to each company defence nest, che mortars concen= Aeros the exposed beaches. Pr. wllawatiaty cozy chal gets eee to storm the front-line defences. While the company mortars are usually distributed one co 9) platoon trongpoint, the battalion mortars operate 3:2 SUPPORT PLATOONS 0 TO 1 INFANTRY GUN PLATOON rele) [e Pees Einar GonScrions SO zrnn fth ax Command bserver SuBteem —— Riletoan a eee eee eer See Coeey pe te uN Detter ety eee ‘50m|6lG18 pin © guns and three light platoons with 7.5cm leIG18 guns. © 726. Grenadierregiment bas no infansey guns, although they nee puna ei a ae Ee cas TxaUX OO! || Thegunsare dual purpose weapons providing both anti-tank XESS NSIS Ppabiliry and a useful high-explosive round for knocking emachine-gin poss threatening your counreracacks Gie your guns to give you che capability to bombard the seach, pinning the enemy, Later if the enemy overcome your defences on the beach the guns can fir directly ae tanks and ‘guns aternpring «© move forwaedLIEU oleN} Okan folate} Oe ee ree eee eet Panzerknacker SMG team for +15 points. Although they serve a reconnaissance role in mobile op- ‘erations, the scour platoon is the regimental counterattack reserve in defensive warfare. Thefe light equipment and lack of machine-guns might be a hindrance if dug in defendin, bur keeps them mobile in line with their mission tHE AHH Aifeteam — Filateam init itt Rietwamn —Rilateam SCOUT SQUAD. NIETO Do nor expect them ro win a stand up fight against 2 well- prepared opponent. However, if you use their mobility to tackle the enemy weak spots, they can make 2 huge difference CUP M re CHEE NLA ae Ureles) PLATOON + Add trucks at no cost. kent 75 points | w55 points Seem eee ‘The only towed antitank guns in the division are the regimental anc-tank platoons. Each regiment from 352. Infuntevedivision bax just three 7Sem PaKS0. heavy sks guns in one platoon. On che other hand, 726. Grenadieregimens has no 7-5em PaK40 heavy guns, but has one and-tank platoon with Sem PaK38 medium anti tanle guns deployed in the beach defences and tna platoons with 3.7em PaK36 light antitank guns deployed in depth, With so few guns available, the infanery must rely on their ‘own close-combat weapons for self defence. The anti-tank guns defend in che depth ofthe position to annihilate enemy tank breakthroughs, allowing the Grenadiers to counter- accack and re-establish the front line Selec the most dangerous enemy attack routes, then position your anti-tank guns in defilade to cover the route. Ifyou put your anti-tank guns ‘in the shop window’, the enemy will knock them out from long range before the guns can fire Instead, place your guns in defilade, our of sight of the enemy until they reach the killing zone. ‘That way they will destroy the enemy at point-blank range. Even if they do not TONE ttt Command SMG team UES PRS Antenk gun ma “GRAAL Antitank gun LCSESSION fire, they will still force the enemy attack routes, nto less advantageous If enemy tanks do not present a threat, the ane-tank guns become highly effective infantry gans using their high- ‘explosive shells wo knock out enemy machine-guns and othet heavy weaponshoe 0 TO 1 ASSAULT GUN PLATOON PUB52, SuG Abreitung was the armoured compor 352, Infanseriedivision with ten StuG THT assaule guns. As © tie most mobile component of the division, they form she kore of Kampjfgruppe Meyer, the mobile reserve of LXXXIV. Armeckorps our assanle guns will normally be operating in a counter aitack le This means chat they wil be asving at a critical Poa oincin the barde and ehei effect has o be decisive Giaileh Male sute chac your SG assaule guis have an infancty Secox. Without a curr and wath just one machine-gun, Pa hey can be vulnerable co being stalked by bazookas if not, propel protested 0 TO 1 TANK-HUNTER PLATOON eA rere ‘4 Marder IM. 280 points GS nteneettn TE Commang Marder IM ‘Marder Be figerbsciteng (352" Anci-tank Batalion) while the Marder Marder HM Mando 1M BEL © tank-hunters form the second company. The Marder tank- a Nes snuncers protec the infanury of the Corps reser aiieh > ENTS F Your anke-hunters are vulnerable to enemy firs, bur deadly [Keep them in cover and use surprise to knock out enemy fans before they can react. Ch Coe Pauls aN Ng PLATOON, HAUPTMANN Poker nr On td Command Stetfteam SM team Pecos abr eer es tee eRe CI ata) BRS Poa 65 potatr rT Tem Ren Seco 53 points Ae venn vearver Fie tam Observer team Be) Your divisional alery is your heavy firepower ‘he key i aA Ra to site your guns well back in gun pits where they cannot be fies Ore harmed by the enemy, and use you fortifications to hold the Hiner Paid ora ney indir sme oF estueon vile te gos pound | SMES y Ra Baer leces Fed howitzer Field howiteer S The cm IeFHI4/19%) howiuer supporting 726. © Giredieregimensis the gun used by che Tealian Army earlier inthe van where it was known es the 100/17.0 TO1 ANTI-AIRCRAFT ASSAULT PLATOON LIP UeloN cohen rare ee eee ps eee ed Oey ot ener + Add Sd Kf 7 halftacks for +5 points {Flaksturmregimens is Covering the eastern end of the coast hoth ar defence ofthe enops defending the ches, and asa backstop in case enemy canks brelcthrouth wt. When the arlery ran out of ammunition, kon ther sole sell, Sete Ena rth ca eet Sener ne ete Ener es eee te Shokan nay + Replace all 3.7em FlaK43 guns with 2em FlaK38 Perr? Sere Esc eh cee ieee tins thitd company of owed 3.7em anti-aircraft gun ¢ has nine ze responsible for protecting sillery position and supply network Fortunately, aloe of wor ht anti-airerafe guns of Hlaksturn the divisions own gun: for just nine gun PY cepecs ts F.Sce page 14 for points cost and organisation.) cern itt Command SMG tm ANTEAIRCRAFT SECTION Command SMS ean CREST CEE RRS ‘atom Fek&G gun UE “wraaaa fom Fake un omar Ezaitsn UES EADS ‘3Tem Fake gn TERED, 370m FaKAS gun ANTEAIRCRAFT Brain ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUN PLATOON CPA Baia TN eee ey ee of a different rating from your Combat choices, Ifyou Tee aa aoe Cae eek ea eRbe 352. FUSILIERABTEILUNG Hauptmann Jabei’s 352. Fislierabreitung (pronounced fyoor-ce-leerap-tile-oong), the 352 Fusilier Detachment i organised the same asa normal Grenadier battalion with three companies fflemen and a heavy weapons company. As the division’ mobile reserve its equipped with bicycles and ccucks, unlike the rest of the division who marched everywhere on foot. The Ftalierabritung along with Oberstleutnant Meyer's 915: Grenadicrregiment forms Kampferuppe Meyer (Battle- ‘eoup Meyer), the mobile reserve for EXKKIV Armechorpe [844 Army Corps) which is responsible for the Normancly coastline. Its assigned task is to counterattack any penetra- tion of the beach defences before the invaders are properly xablished ashore The men for your leadership. Can you take this fast-moving force and push the Allies back into their English Channel? well trained and ready for combat—waiting FUSILIERKOMPANIE (INFANTRY COMPANY) you wish 10 field a Fasilierkompanie from 382. Files abteilung you can do so by modifing a Fetungrkompante cs follows + You may not field forsficatons (ee pages 22 40 23) + You may not feld Goliath demolition carrer: * You may mot field Grenadier Platoons as a choice Support | You may field: + O10 1 Infansry Gun Platoon or Light Anuictank Gun Plateon, and * 0 to 2 Assault Gun Platoons or Tank bunter Platoons. The erucks and bicycles ofthis force mean hat the Everything ‘Must Fire On the Beaches special rule no longer apple 1352. STUG ABTEILUNG 1352, SiuG Abteilung (pronounced shtoog ap-tle-oong), the 1352 Assault Gun Detachment, was the fist company of 352, Panzeridgenabseiung unlit was renamed 4° 4 separate battalion co foo! Allied intelligence. ‘The bat: fallon formed the core of Kampffruppe Meyer (Battlegroup Meyer), fighting as a unit rather than being parcelled out among the Grenadier batalions In the carly morning hours of 6 June, Kampferuppe Meyer, Billed just outside Bayeux, was sent to the western tad of the divisional sector by LKXXIV Armectorps (84 Army Corps) with orders to destroy the American para- ttoopets thar had been landing all night on the Cotentin Peninsla the Kampffruppe had bately arrived at the Cerisy Forest, thets destination, when new orders diverted them back to Bayeus, to deal with the British troops advancing off Gold Beach. Along the way Oberleutnant Meyer gave four Marder tank-hunters to the divisional engineer ba tullon fora counterattack against the US troops advancing fiom Vierville sur Mer. The counterattack vanished a5 the storm of naval gun fire chat Generalfeldmarschail Rommel $0 feared mareralized, Nontbeast of Bayeux, the rest of Kempfiruppe Meyer aracked che advancing British Forces. In the ensuing battle ‘several of the valuable StuG assault guns were lose. Yet the aihancing British forces were brought to a halt, losing humerous Sherman tanks. Take command of 1352. Sau Abzeilung. The outcome of the whole batele depends on yous timely and successful counceratack. Are you up to the job? STUG ABTEILUNG (TANK COMPANY) If you wish 10 field the StuG Abreitang, follows: LZ Ulel Caray Geeiernord or Ua TEU oLoty Dect eat ery RTE Vole) Cre Meee Seer eres a ee «ee ESD ol Ua TPG celoNt) Sareea srs ret teas ‘tis organised as coy rom 352. Infanterie div Ceres cee ee ees an een Te age 18) 0 to 2 Grenadier Plaoons from 3 Coe ere oe You may have up to three Support Platoons. + You may not field fortifications (ce pages 22 to 23) + You may nor field Goliath remote-consrolled demolision Due to the mobile nature of this force, the Everything Muse Fire On the Beaches special rule does not apply,Atlantic coast of Fran Waederstandne ile of ant For 40 10 60 miles (60 :0 100 kilomestes) of — machine-gunsanda coup! mutually supporting usual defens bunkers. With fewer th jers manning the they han fi the line. eH. OF SEEONEPOIN: 8 Ta the case of Wiedenstandnest 66 the left side of che L om KwK rank gun mounced in an open-topped conctet. bunker, an old French tank carset mounted on a bunker of Panzentellung, tice machine ee ae special rules (ee page 157 of the rule book). and. high hese guns will not firse shor. Keep your guns mobile so thar they iusto track enemy tanks and then ambush them vith the 3° gun range and firepower to engage the enemy in F the time and place of your choosing t score quick kills and ive the Panzer off, hen, limber up she hal-acks and [sesh the uns bere he enem ffeccive fre Sec new concealed postion ut of ight oF the enemy’ Peay engane aps on your ers if the enemy contincs and Destroy! PLATOON cee keton srongpoines and pinning down e. This allows your infantry to close with ere een ONE At Command —_Jeapwith Corbineteam seal AAG EeRTaION ae tit Carbine team Jeep Baa ‘Ms.an gun "Baa 1Ms3in aun an Mahal ack Mghatira Ocal AMG, ‘0 cal A OEE SECTION, TOWED TANK DESTROYER PLATOON Poor Eaton PUTS WEAPONS SECTION TRE aes (SELF-PROPELLED) PLATOON.ee Mee Gua Ug eee ree Pro) uae PO kee tn Att Commans Stoffteam Observer Carbine team Carbine team OPTION TE + AGI PINOT wel ocao “aaa “The field arsillery supports the infantry with fire on enemy ee pela formations and strongpoints giving your tanks and infancry teams a chance to move forward ‘With is large ammunition supply and fse direction centse afield arilery bacery can continue fring on an atea in- definitely. Going through aire direction net does reduce the responsiveness of the artillery, bur isa small price co pay for dlevastating firepower that destroys the will of the enemy 0 fight, or forces them co lee he area under fee “The DUKW amphibious trucks deliver che M2A1 105mm. howitzers dicectly to theie fring positions afier swimming ashore. Unsurprisingly these ungainly amphibians quickly gained the nickisame ‘Duck. Coreen soo M rere OTA re Mr vy Command Deore Carbine team cortine team Pana, M281 TOS gun PRA Maat 105mm gun LIEN elon arent) © Beare E ne y can RRS ET eetretrrer= eee RRA Deere ec ree 42 choral mortar 42 chemical marae re ‘The chemical mortar platoon provides US forces with the i aT ice te cope on i xsl pl Sarg a cE Arar. Arar. 6 dug in oops and guns from the cover of trenches, the large 42° chemical mortar 42° chomical mortar Iortats add tremendously o the volume of fie supporting your troops With their shore range, the mortars must be placed close to the enemy, so position them behind cover to keep them safe from dieect fire. Their only real disadvantage over normal MORTAR SECTION anllery is sheie lack of a fire contol centre and plenti- a ful ammunition supply. This limits them to short, sharp SSMS ANUS EES bombardments.OPTIONS + Add Jeep for Command team at no cost eee ee eer RC aed pores Seer earn a een MG for +5 points. D-Day planners felt the invading infantry needed immedi- ax fre support while coming ashore and artillery that could Tmove forward actoss che shingle hank atthe top ofthe beach syithout engineering support, To meer this need the planners fave armoured field artillery barteris to the infantry for the landings The plannets also Foresaw thac in a pinch they could be used as assaule guns by fring diteetly ar bunkers blocking the Beach exits, Remember though, these are not tanks. If they are facing real tanks then you are in deep srouble. LIEN KoloNE tect Bee eect Bere keene a erent i for +100 points Serer ens [TOperacng Squad No Operating Squads Se eeneoneuy Ber eben ren cree sitet Ror eR oes or 475 points. OPTION Breet esac acee er iL The combat engineess provide heavy engineering support Wien the infantrys own ammunition and pioneer platoon aot enough (eTa shat Staffteam Ath Command ccrbie toa