"29, Let's Go!": Turn 2, Probe at La Cambe (No. 2)

“29, Let’s Go!”: Turn 2, Probe at La Cambe (No 2) 

Forward elements of the 175th try again to take La Cambe. 

Map

Support choices

Germans: Pak 40 (7), sniper (3), two entrenchments (2) 

US: Sherman (6), Sherman (6), Sherman (6), additional BAR for all squads (1), 60mm mortar (3), sniper (3) 

Combat 

Both sides started on 8 morale. 

German infantry remained dug-in along the hedgerow in front of the stone cottage. They had a clear view of the road and were well protected with entrenchments and concealment.  

The US 1st Squad deployed directly opposite the German infantry, exchanging fire across the cabbage field again. Fortunately this time there was no infantry gun blasting away with 13lb high explosive shells.

Dug-in German infantry

German sniper team (who proved unskilled!)

A German sniper team had nestled into the hedgerow by the orchard. This inexperienced German sniper missed each of his shots during the engagement. 

The US 2nd Squad deployed in front of the wooden shed. Behind the wooden shed a platoon sergeant bellowed at a 60mm mortar team to begin firing. 

US 2nd Squad with mortar behind

"Get that mortar firing!"

A US sharpshooter deployed near US 2nd Squad. He winged a German NCO, but the NCO only suffered a grazing shot. 

US Sharpshooter and spotter

In the previous attack, the GIs had taken out the Germans’ HMG and infantry gun. The German commander (Oberleutenant Kleinmann) became concerned about being over-run by US infantry. So he ordered a Pak-40 concealed in the orchard to begin firing HE rounds at the US infantry. 

German Pak-40

German defenders

Revealing the high velocity anti-tank gun was a grave error. Its shells caused some shock amongst the GIs. But the GIs concentrated return fire on the Pak’s position. Focused and accurate rifle fire, along with sniper fire and 60mm mortar bombs soon killed most of the Pak crew. The two remaining crew members were left hugging the dirt in fear. The Pak’s commander had been shot in the head by a sniper. Kleinmann’s best defence against Allied armour had been eliminated. 

The Pak was out of action. With the sound of Sherman engines growing louder, and sensing his position would be out-flanked, OLt Kleinmann ordered a withdrawal to the hamlet of Arthenay. 

Results

A short while later, the nearby German Flak 88s were destroyed - they were easy pickings without infantry support. 

A friendly fire incident occurred when planes bearing Allied markings strafed the US troops as they were leaving the hamlet. Colonel Goode, the CO of the 175th, took advantage of the break in the advance to establish his Regimental HQ in La Cambe.

Casualties: 

I forgot to record these before they were erased on the whiteboard where we keep running game info! But both sides had very light casualties.