Battle For The Meuse - 13th May 1940

The Meuse was held by Gen. Corap's IX Army, with the 1e and 4e DLC (Light Cavalry Divisions) having just pulled back through their lines after fighting rearguard actions against the advancing Panzers. The junction between the II Corps d'Armée and the XI C.A. was around Houx, and this was an area of some confusion as the XI tried to move into position under Stuka fire, and with inadequate transport. Thus, elements of the II C.A. had been moved south to cover the gap, but it was into this area that one of the main German attacks took place at dawn on the 13th May...

Map of the Battle Area

The forces, and their starting locations, are as follows:

FRENCH

3B II/39e RI (1 Regular infantry battalion)

3A III/39e RI (1 Regular infantry battalion)

IB I/129e RI & III/129e RI (2 Regular infantry battalions)

1A II/129e RI, Art (1 Regular infantry battalion plus 2 Regular artillery)

2A I/66e RI (1 Reservist infantry battalion)

3B III/66e RI (1 Reservist infantry battalion)

5C I/77e RI & II/77e RI (2 Reservist infantry battalions)

GERMAN

1C AufklAbt 8 (1 Professional Armoured Car)

5D Higher Command, PionBat 58 (1 Regular infantry battalion, with engineer ability), Sch Reg 7 (1 Professional infantry battalion in APCs)

3D Higher Command, PionBat 89 (1 Regular infantry battalion, with engineer ability), Sch Reg 5 (1 Professional infantry battalion in APCs)

REINFORCEMENTS

TURN 2:

German: 3D PzRgt 31 (2 Pz Bns - each with 2 Professional Light Tanks & 1 Professional Tank) & PzRgt 15 (as PzRgt 31).

TURN 3:

German: 1D Higher Command, PionBat 8 (1 Regular infantry battalion, with engineer ability), AufklAbt 37 (1 Professional armoured car), IR28 (3 Regular battalions), IR38 (3 Regular battalions), IR84 (3 Regular battalions).

TURN 5:

French: 3A 1er GRDI (1 Regular armoured car)

SPECIAL RULES

This scenario was the first which the Cornwall club played using SB for WW2. It was designed to use the original rules as much as possible. One of our club members (Chris Kent) has since written a proper set of modifications for WW2 games, which work well - I'll publish them online when I get around to it! However, the above scenario used some minor modifications & special rules:

• APCs: Troops in APCs are similar to troops carried in trucks, but may enter a combat in this mode. APCs move and save as light tanks, but fight as infantry. I normally use 3 APC models to represent the battalion, rather than use figures for the troops. This creates a tough, mobile unit (with an optional LMG-armed designation), but one which is fragile (one hit puts it down to half-strength).
• Engineers: Troops with engineer ability may cross impassable rivers on a 4,5,6. Once they have crossed, a bridge is assumed to be in place if they remain in the square and do not fight for 4 moves (thereafter troops following up may cross on a 3,4,5,6).
• Aircraft (see Rule 26.7): The Germans have 2 Stukas (count as Type "B" barrage against all units in one designated square) available, while the French have 1 Potez (as per rule 26.7).
• Anti-Aircraft Fire: French units may drive off German aircraft on a 6, while German units may drive off French aircraft on a 5,6 (4,5,6 if Higher Command present).
• Artillery: There is no mistake - the Germans have outrun their artillery support!