The Bridge at Baupte part 1

The Bridge At Baupte

This campaign was inspired by the At The Sharp End campaign supplement from Too Fat Lardies. The three battles would be fought over the same terrain with the first battle around the bridge and northern part of the town. The second would see the focus of the fighting move further into the town with the bridge now at the far end of the table. Both the first and second were set up on 6x4 tables whilst the third comprised an 8x4 table covering the ground of both scenario 1 and 2.

Part 1. 

Forces: 800 points of US 82nd Airborne veterans with a light mortar, MMG, jeep with an MMG mounted on it and a light howitzer under the command of Lt Richard Moncher v 1200 points of German Regular and Inexperienced Infantry with trucks, armoured car and a light howitzer led by Kapitan Helmut Grossen-Sach and 2 Lt Heinz Scharficka

US aim; to seize and hold the bridge till their ground forces arrive.

German aim. To destrpy the US Airborne

Turns. We decided to ignore a set amount of turns and instead play to an obvious conclusion.

Deployment. Due to the scattered nature of their drop, the US troops enter the table from a randomly determined table edge. The Germans enter from the road at the far end of the table from the bridge. Both sides deploy a first wave then roll for reserves in subsequent turns. We didn't set a turn limit but played to an obvious conclusion.

Background. In the early hours of D Day a collection of 82nd airborne troops collected together by Lt Richard Moncher are heading for their company's objective, the bridge at Baupte. Situated just inland from the invasion beach, the bridge is tactically important for the initial expansion of the beach head and Lt Moncher's company the 82nd have been given the mission to seize and hold the bridge. With their forces scattered, it is up to leader's like Lt Moncher and his ragtag group to carry out their orders "seize and hold the bridge..."

"With urgently whispered orders, Lt Dick Moncher, 82nd Airborne, directed his small band of troops forward toward the bridge, it's metal ribbed frame just visible in the dark sky. Behind it he could make our the roofs of the village of Baupte. Overhead Allied bombers droned by, wicked lines of tracer attempting to reach them. In the distance, flashes from their dropped payloads lit the night sky. 

Two hours previously, Moncher and the rest of his battalion had jumped into occupied France and had met chaos. By a stroke of good fortunate, Moncher's stick hadn't been as scattered as the rest and he had quickly gathered what troops he could find, orientated himself and headed for the company objective. Picking up troops from different companies, battalions and even regiments along the way, he had stuck to his course. 

Nearing the bridge he had formulated his plan, sending one squad across the river downstream from the bridge he plan to assault the bridge guards from both sides. To his astonishment he found the bridge unguarded. However, just as he was deploying his forces on the north bank trouble appeared.."

Kapitan Grossen-Sach was annoyed. His plans for the evening had been ruined by this parachutist scare. He had had leave what promised yo be an entertaining evening at Madame Swishe's establishment thanks to his regimental HQs insistence that parachutists were landing. Sure there were lots of Allied air activity but it had been like that for several evenings past. It was more than likely that the reported parachutists were just aircrew spotted bailing out. After many false alarms his patrol was driving to Baupte before returns to barracks and  a well earned breakfast when a burst of machine gun fire from the lead truck quickly banished all thoughts of breakfast from his mind.

Leutnant Rudi Scharficka leapt from the leading truck and screamed at his men to dismount quickly.

 Mostly raw recruits, they were slow to react however the boots in the arse, the curses and threats from their NCOs and the shots from the bridge soon quickened their movements. The squad from the lead truck spilled into the field on their right under cover from the MG42 mounted on the truck whilst those in the trucks behind dismounted and swung around behind the houses and quickly deployed. 

Soaked from their river crossing, Sgt Chuck Stones and his squad were angry and itching for a fight. At the sight of the Kraut's jumping the hedge into the field Stone's barked out a fire order and the squad let rip. A few of the Kraut's fell and the rest went to ground.  Stone had the squad continue firing at them, keeping their heads down. Nearby, Cpl Niemier with the light mortar kept up a steady fire though how effective it was, was anyone's guess. 

As Neimier watched for the fall of his shot,  a German  truck careened through the field towards Stone's squad and came to a halt. Before the troops aboard could dismount, Stone and his men ran at it, firing from the hip and throwing grenades into the cab and rear of the trucks. Two sharp explosions followed and the troops aboard were mown down as they attempted to flee. Satisfied with this bit of government funded mayhem, Stoner and his men went on to ground, looking for new targets.

Leutnant Hans Klapper span around in the turret of his Sdkfz 222. A rocket propelled anti tank missile had just flashed past his head. Expecting to see a couple of inexperienced, idiot troopers attempting to use a panzerschrek he was instead met with the sight of two Amis paratroopers manning a bazooka being gunned down. Thanking his lucky stars he ordered his driver to advance towards the bridge. 

Lt Moncher watched the armoured car advance. At the moment this seemed the biggest threat the Krauts had to offer. Shouting across the road to Sgt Kapowzki, he ordered him to focus their fire on the armoured car once it got to the bridge. Big Al Kapowzki acknowledged the order and his squad's .30 cal fired another burst at the cowering Germans across the river before switching target.

Moncher turned to Sgt Nolan, who's squad was spread along the river bank to his left. "Okay guys, when that Kraut armoured car gets to the bridge, we're gonna rush it. If you got grenades, get 'em ready!"
The Sdkfz 222 nosed past the burning truck and up to the bridge, it's MMG firing wildly. Sgt Kapowzki's squad opened up an accurate fire on and, whilst the commander's head was down, Muncher led the charge across the bridge. Sgt Nolan's men dashed up to the armoured far, grenades in hand and successfully lobbed them into the turret, much to the horror of Lt Klapper. Several detonations were heard and smoke and flames rose from the armoured cars turret as Lt Moncher, Sgt Nolan and his men piled over the hedge next to Cpl Neimer and his mortar. 
Seeing the destruction of the armoured car, Kapitan Grossen-Sach ordered his men to pull back to the edge of the village. These Amis were a tough but to crack and he needed a heavier hammer!

End of Part 1.With the Germans withdrawing to the far side of the village. Lt Moncher redployed his men in the buildings nearest the bridge to give his defense some depth. All they had to do now was wait for the cavalry to turn up.....

End of Part 1. With the German attack foiled, the US Airborne had won a minor victory; they held the bridge....but for how long?