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View Full Version : Full Monty vs The Purist 8/42


The Purist
02 Nov 04, 17:35
Well,... my first PbEM game is done and I give to FM my congrats on his win (73/27).

My OoB:
5 Pz IIIJ
1 PSW 231 (8 rad)
2 50mm PaK 38
2 76mm Pak 51
2 SdKfz 250/1 ht
2 SdKfz 251/1 ht
1 105mm Battery (OBA)
1 Pz Gr Coy. of 3 rifle Platoons (1 HQ section, 3 rifle squads), 1 Weapons Platoon (4 MG34 section, 2 81mm Mor sections)

Total 2000 points (actually about 1995 or so but whose counting)

The Afrika Korps rolled out in a wide left flanking move that struck the unprotected flank of the British advance. The panzers wheeled outwards while a gun screen of 2 50mm and 2 76mm anti-tank guns deployed to cover the advance. The grenadiers were deployed so that they would follow the armour on an inner wheel and pick up the objective hexes.

As the panzers rolled forward the dust clouds of British armour was spotted to the north and the panzer elements wheeled inwards to engage, well covered by the Pak Front. As mentioned elsewhere the Germans rarely hit a British tank and only managed one kill. By turn 20/30 3 of 5 panzers were knocked out and 3 of 4 guns silenced. By turn 22 or 23 there was but 1 tank and the final gun was out of ammunition.

The Brits then slowly closed in for the kill. I estimate the British as having 2 rifle companies on the field with the usual carrier support (6 killed but other were still active)as well as three M3 Lee and three Valentine V tanks. Slowly but surely my rifle squads and support weapons ran out of ammunition until in the last 3 to 4 turns the Brits overran (literally) three of four objective areas held by the Germans with the odd bullet or hand grenade clutched close.

Let's seeeeee,..... :hmmm:

I could include all the usual excuses about supplies, numbers, the RAF,...blah, blah, blah. No point in it really,...but I am still surprised at the complete failure of German guns (especially the 76mm ATs) to kill tanks at such 'normal' ranges (300 to 1200 yards).

Over to Full Monty, if he would like to comment

Full Monty
02 Nov 04, 20:04
It was a very enjoyable game (not just because I won), helped enormously by the exchanges in the emails - reminds you that you are playing a 'person' not a robot.

I chose to split my forces, concentrating my leg infantry on my left flank whilst my armour and my motorised infantry company took the right. I kept a few infantrymen (and my morter spotter) in the centre. My plan was to draw the DAK armour on to my infantry and then flank it with my tanks if it appeared on my left or centre. If it appeared on my right I would take it on tank-vs-tank hoping that the superior M3s would take out the Panzer IIIs leaving my infanty to 'mop-up'. As it was, Plan A succeeded - caught in a murderous crossfire, the tanks and half-tracks of the DAK suffered at the hands of the 75mm guns of the M3s and the anti-tank rifles of the infantry. I have to say that the Panzers all took several hits and penetrations before succumbing, the last finally being abandoned after attempting to take on three M3s and one Valentine in the last two turns. I was mildly surprised at the ineffectiveness of the PaKs but my armour was 'hull down' just behind a nice ridge so they weren't the easiest of targets. I think both my opponent and I made mistakes in the game, I should have used my infantry more aggressively, especially when the enemy armour had been worn down, and my troop choice could have been better balanced. That said, we're both 'newbies' to pbem-ing and I expect our next encounter to be a much different affair.

KG_Norad
02 Nov 04, 20:53
What experience level were your troops? I find it strange that no matter what command I am assigned I always seem to get tanks with serious metallurgical flaws that cause them to brew up all too often :hmmm:

It's a good thing the Generals think I am a likable chap! :D

Full Monty
02 Nov 04, 21:03
Mine were mostly 'regular' with a few 'green' thrown in for good measure.

airBiscuit
03 Nov 04, 13:31
Great AAR. :cheeky:

The Purist
03 Nov 04, 17:15
Well,...seeing as it was July 1942 at Alamein I went for veterans (the computer threw in a few crack units as well). It is because of the quality of my troops that I was so surprised at the inability of the Germans to hit or kill the British tanks. :hmmm:

Nonetheless, what is done is done.

Next time FM,...next time. :devil:

Edit: didja notice that no vehicles exploded or caught fire?

Full Monty
04 Nov 04, 12:07
Next time FM,...next time. :devil:

Whenever you're ready.
:smoke:

Full Monty
04 Nov 04, 19:28
Looks as though the revenge match is on. Gerry is now the Brits and I'm Jerry!!! Confused? You will be in the next episode of ..... :laugh:

The Purist
05 Nov 04, 08:42
"Confused? You will be in the next episode of ....."

...."KNIGHTS OF THE DESERT"!!! (cue fanfare)

Yes, that's right CMAK fans. See Panzer III and IVs duel to the death with Crusaders. GASP in awe as grenadiers hurl themselves at the defenders of democracy and Christian civilization. RECOIL in HORROR as our loyal and courageous lads are struck down by the vile, ravenous Narzee hordes. SHOUT with JOYOUS RAPTURE as the heroic defenders of the empire repulse the mindless automatons and SMASH their war machines to scrap.

Tune in next week for all the action,....same CMAK station, same CMAK Channel!!

Palantir
05 Nov 04, 18:56
:laugh: :laugh:

Now that gentlemen is what makes WHQ such a wonderful site- absolutely great members & funny at that!!!!
:thumup: :clap: