Wrapped up our Twin Cities ASL day with a playing of J182 Belgian Blitzkrieg as the defending Belgians against John Bock and his goose stepping Germans. Looking at ROAR in advance, we agreed it looked like the Belgians needed some help, so before we rolled for sides the Belgians got the balance (remove 8-1 ldr) and we also agreed to pull a 467. VCs were control two multi-hex buildings.
The Germans decided to NOT go for the Turn 2 instant win of controlling the Z6 building. In it were the 9-1, 458, 457, 2x237 and the HIP 47AT gun. Unfortunately for me, it left me little to do with these guys initially, but I soon got the two full squads and leader upstairs to plink away (some 2-2 and 2-3 shots) at the gaggle of forces doing the end-around move along the board edge. Turn 2 this paid off with a long range 1KIA, nabbing the 9-1 and 467 moving in woods bypass. I broke a couple other squads here and there to slow him down a bit, but the Germans were making progress mid-game on the board edge. I started to melt away a bit, as some shots broke 2.5 Belgian squads. I believe it was T4, I had 1.5 under DM the other squad not DM. The MMC SR got him (ELRed 437) back and the leader assisted got the other squad back on a 1,2. Huge as it allowed me to re-establish my center/left perimeter.
At this time, the SSR-allowed late entry troops (designated from the initial at-start OB) had entered on the south side at hexrow T -- 3x467s, LMG, 8-0. I was able to break a squad initially, but he was back quickly. Now they moved to enter the southern end of the village (Belgian right flank). I had wheeled out my 47AT from the bypassed building and got a CH, hit-rate, hit -- all with no effect. However, I did break one 467 of the three on a 4+1 from my 457. With this, and another 467 break on the Belgian left flank, and those crazy two squads at level 1 in the Z6 building continuing to hamper movement with long range shots, it appeared to the Germans they faced a difficult time making it to the needed village VC buildings. Plus, the Belgians were due to receive two AFV, 9-1 AL, 3.5 MMCs on bikes. At this, the Germans called off the attack and waited for reinforcements.
A fun scenario the Belgians could have just as easily lost. Rallying the two MMCs back in Belgian T4 was utterly huge. One has to wonder if the Germans can actually ignore capturing the Z6 building. It is so close to the German start line. Other things I am wondering is whether the Germans typically use the 2xtrucks to load up and zip into the Belgian backfield? Too, I do like the option to withhold up to five squad-equivalents for T3 entry. Regardless of the outcome, it is always a pleasure to visit with and play John, especially on a hot and steamy Minnesota summer day (Yes, they do occur!). Cheers, All.