BG Counters 42: Grant(a) Scorpion III & Grant(a) Scorpion IV, Matilda II Scorpion, & PzVG Cuckoo(g)

Vinnie

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11 Grant(a) Scorpion III & Grant(a) Scorpion IV:
These represent the Grant tank (British Vehicle Note 11) equipped with the Scorpion flail device. The Scorpion IV had an additional motor to power the flail as it was found that the Scorpion mechanism was underpowered.
† For usage rules see B28.7,-.72 and U.S. Vehicle Note 20 [EXC: For the Grant Scorpion III, an +1 DRM applies to the Mine Clearance DR, and the DR given in B28.7,-.72 for each possible result is assumed to be a Final DR. In addition, it may not clear wire like the Sherman Crab.]. As a flail tank enters a woods/building obstacle (even via TB/Reverse movement), its flail mechanism becomes disabled for the remainder of the scenario. A flail tank (or other vehicle with special mine-clearing capability) may not attempt to clear mines using Reverse movement. A tank whose flail mechanism is still functional does not suffer Recall due solely to disabled MA.
See also British Vehicle Note NBG
 

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Vinnie

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35a PzVG Cuckoo(g):
After the failure of the Arnhem Offensive, the British 6th Tank Brigade was engaged in heavy fighting with German forces, trying to gain control of the Dutch village named Overloon. While fighting, tankers of the 4th Armored Battalion entered a large barn only to find a fully operational Panther of the Panzer-Abteiling 2, Panzer Brigade 107.
The 4th Armored Battalion captured the early model Panzer V Ausf. G and after some modifications to its appearance (specifically the addition of an Allied insignia), put it into service. The tank was nicknamed "Cuckoo" and first saw service helping the artillery barrage on the Gejsteren castle, north of Venlo, on the Meuse River. After an infantry attack on the castle failed, the decision was made to bombard the castle with artillery. During the artillery bombardment on the castle, they found Cuckoo to be a worthy newcomer with its ability to shoot 75mm shells through selected windows with extreme accuracy.
After the assault on the castle, during operation "Blackcock", now south of Venlo. Cuckoo was deployed again, now joining in on an attack on the German town named Waldenrath. Cuckoo was noted as performed very well again with its mobility being especially noticeable compared to the 4th Armored Battalions Churchill tanks. A historian later wrote; "The road conditions were abominable all day, whereas the Churchill's and the Crocodiles, with no ice bars, slid into ditches at every possible opportunity, "Cuckoo" the Panther, eight tons heavier, trundled merrily along with no difficulty at all."
Cuckoo's career ended during operation "Varitable". When the tank was heading towards the east of Kleve in Germany the fuel pump unexpectedly broke down, lacking a replacement pump the crew sadly had no other choice than to abandon the tank. He was never recovered. Cuckoo served with the 4th Armored Battalion of the 6th Tank Brigade from 1944-45
This counter may also be used to represent "Deserter". On the Italian front, in October 1944, the Canadian Seaforth Highlanders captured an intact Panther and gave it to the 145th Royal Armoured Corps, a regimental-size unit. Its new owners whimsically renamed the tank "Deserter" and issued it to the unit’s C Squadron.
† This vehicle is treated as German for purposes of ESB.
† Due to the lack of parts and maintenance for this vehicle, when a start roll is required, an 11 will cause a stall as per German Vehicle Note H while a 12 results in immobilization.
See also British Vehicle Note BG
 
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