Ardennes2024 Wach Am Rhein 24

ARDENNES 2024 WACH AM RHEIN 24 SCENARIO

In this fascinating “what-if” scenario, the Germans gain instant victory if they can get three non HQ, non-artillery units across the Meuse during the 10 day campaign between Dec 16th and 26th, 2024. They must maintain the units there until the end of the day, thus having to withstand the Allied counter-attack that day. Interesting that the battle will culminate right around Christmas.

Dec 16th (Day 1)

The Germans moved quickly, setting the tone by firing off an MLRS from the East edge of the map and taking out one of the Infantry units near Recogne. Before the dust settled, they moved most of the units Westward into the mountains of Germany and toward Luxembourg. The 41st wheeled units were able to move quickly through the Elsenborn Mountains and engage the small Allied 173rd Infantry in the town of Spa. Adding a small amount of air support (1 Air unit after 2 were lost to anti-air artillery rolls), and supplementing that with Electronic Warfare (1 CRT column shift per point used), the Germans were able to force the Allies to retreat and leave the town (despite the Allied 2 column CRT shift for Elite Units). The Allies (on their movement turn) moved further back into Louverigne, hoping to fortify the area before the Germans attack again. The Allied 7th wheeled units moved to Rochefort to begin the defense in the middle. A good start for Germany, who know they must move quickly to “make the Meuse by Christmas.”

Note the large amount of Allied Reinforcements waiting to enter the battle over the coming days.

Wach Am Rhein: Dec 17th (Day 2)

Still early in the campaign, neither side has been able to fully mobilize air units and gain Air Superiority (committed air units plus die roll).

An active day for the Germans. Just before daylight, the Germans launched an MLRS from the eastern mountains (next to the “Y” in Germany) and targeted the units guarding the north edge of the Meuse in Liege. Even without Special Ops to help with targeting, they scored one hit. Building on the momentum, the German artillery units stationed just north of Echternach scored a hit and disorganized the Allied units in the southern forests of Luxembourg. With no HQ nearby, these units were unable to respond (during their turn). With all the commotion in the north and south, the majority of the German troops took off westward through the mountains and hills. Travel was a bit slow (reduced MP’s on mountain and secondary roads), but they were able to advance batallions and several of the mobile HQ’s. The first true encounter came in Louvigne. The Allies did not have time to fortify their position (+! CRT shift) and the Germans brought several tank units into town for the battle. Using 1 helicopter unit (used 3 but strength halved since no Air Superiority, and lost one to AA fire based on die roll), and with the existing wireless infrastructure of the town (this is the year 2024 afterall) – they used 2 electronic warfare units to disrupt Allied communications and targeting tech. The Allied infantry took a D2 hit. Instead of retreating 2 hexes, they chose to only retreat 1 and take the casualties (one hit each – flipping the units) – thus protecting the main juncture in the road.

The Allies, realizing the challenge ahead, chose to fortify most of their few positions, and brought artillery and infantry into Luxembourg (on the southern edge of the map). The eagerly await reinforcements, both on the ground and in the air. Let’s hope it’s in time before the Germans charge across the Meuse.

Wach Am Rhein: Dec 20th (Day 5)

An active few days since the last report. The Germans continued to march West, taking advantage of the slow Allied response. However, they were slowed by having to cross in the mountains (1 MP/hex) and the many small rivers in the region (+2 MP to cross). The German MLRS continued to batter the Infantry near Esneux in the north (2x SP on Artillery hit). The batallion led by the 5th HQ made it to Ciney, just 8 clicks from the Meuse. The Germans engaged the Allies in the south in Luxembourg and in the north near Esneux. Although they took some anti-air hits, the Germans used Air Mobile to move 2 Infantry quickly to the action in the north (using helicopter points / CEL of infantry being moved – moves 20 MP’s).

With the Allies disorganized up north, just across the Meuse, the Germans were feeling pretty confident. What a difference a few hours makes…

The Allied response was swift and effective. Their own MLRS weakened the 5th HQ tanks with a solid hit (-1 CEL). Utilizing the main highway (1/3rd MP per hex), they were able to reach the German advance force and engage. The Germans were forced to retreat and they will have to bolster their forces or find another path across the Meuse. The Allies deployed Special Forces to blow the bridge near Givet, removing one of the possible paths for the Germans. The Allies in Luxembourg used the forest (+! CRT shift) and hills (+2 CRT shift) to repel the German attack, and resulted in a disorganized German batallion. Up north, the Allies again used the highway to move several tank battalions into place, while securing and fortifying several positions along the Meuse.

The Germans are still hoping for Air Superiority to clear the way to airdrop their infantry into the battle and swing the tide back to their favor. Only five days left to reach the Meuse.

Wach Am Rhein: Dec 23rd (Day 8)

As Christmas nears, the Germans continue their move west and their assault on the Allies. The battle in Liege is about to explode, as the Germans are poised to cross the Meuse in two places. Further south and west in Beauraing there is fierce fighting as the Germans hope to break through and repair the bridge. They only have two days before the campaign ends. In the small town of Rochefort, the Germans brought all their weapons to bear – using artillery and electronic warfare to pummel the Allies, who were forced to retreat out of town and lose their fortification. The photo says it all….

The Allied response was mainly to bolster defenses along the Meuse and fortify where possible. The Allies were finally able to get an HQ set up near Hastiere (near west border of map). They lost forces in Martilenge and risk having no forces East of Liege (critical for the final VP count). The succeeded in pushing the Germans back out of Rochefort, utilizing electronic warfare and helicopter cover (@ ½ SP’s since there was no Air Superiority this day).

Wach Am Rhein: Dec 24th (Day 9)

A Merry Xmas Eve…. For the Germans!

The initial air battles for Air Superiority were easily won by the Allies, who had time to mobilize the full weight of the US and Allied air forces.

The Germans did not take off for the holiday. They crossed the Meuse in Liege and engaged the Allies. They had no EW to use, but brought as much air power as they could (I think I messed up – Germans did not have Air Sup, and their air points should have been halved). There were some Allied casualties, but neither side was willing to withdraw, setting up a counter-attack by the Allies.

‘The Germans continued their multi-pronged attack – engaging in Cincy and moving forces through the hills into France – racing toward the Meuse with little Allied resistance in sight.

The Allies appeared rattled.

During the Allied counter-offensive, they threw everything they had at the Germans, knowing they had to force them back across the Meuse to avoid defeat and a disastrous holiday. Reinforcements arrived from the south of France and quickly moved up into place – surrounding the German half-track in the hills. The blew the bridge in Fumay in France and attempted to box in and destroy the German HQ and tanks near the Lesse River. The MLRS artillery scored a direct hit on the German tanks out in the open, just 3 hexes from the Meuse – resulting in disorganization.

Up north in Liege, they brought everything they had – additional artillery and even sent tanks across the Meuse, and blowing the bridge behind them. An apparent suicide mission, but desperate times… There were two battles – the north battle included 8 Allied air points and artillery (5:1 on the CRT) and resulted in a D2 (retreat 2 hexes) result. The Germans, knowing what was at stake, chose to sacrifice troops rather than retreat, leaving the Germans with only two infantry units across the Meuse. The battle just below that included 2 Allied EW (2 column CRT shift) and 6 Air points. However, the strength of the forces was reduced as the Allies were fighting across the Meuse (if > ½ of the SP’s are across a river – total SP is reduced by ½). Despite a 6:1 CRT ratio, the Germans were able to sacrifice forces and avoid retreat. This left with four battalions across the Meuse and a GERMAN VICTORY.

As the Allies regrouped and licked their wounds, Field Consultant David Lamb reflected on what he saw. “I told them to blow the damn bridges days ago. None of this would have happened if General Levick had any clue what he was doing.” When told of the comments, Levick replied, “I’m proud of the brave boys that sacrificed their lives in the battle. There was so much going on, I’m 63 – I can’t remember all that stuff. I’m lucky I remember to put on pants in the morning. “ The Germans in Liege were heard celebrating and laughing when Levick’s name was brought up. Dumkopf – we’ll take him on anytime.”