Intro: "29, Let's Go!" 

A Chain of Command campaign by Richard Clarke

In our latest Pint-Sized Campaign we move to the Omaha Sector. We are playing “29, Let’s Go!” by Richard Clarke. 

The campaign focuses on elements of the US 29th Infantry Division as they battle their way inland from the landing beaches.

Background

The US objective for the campaign is the town of Isigny. Historically, possession of the town was vital to the advance of the entire 29th Division because the Germans had flooded the Aure River valley. If this inundated area proved to be impassable the river and its valley could be crossed only at or near Isigny. Capturing the town was also necessary for the eventual junction of the Utah and Omaha Beachheads. 

The 175th Regiment (29th Infantry Division) landed on D-Day+1, having been held at sea in reserve. The beach was already secured.  The regiment headed south from its assembly area and toward the main highway that led to Isigny. It had orders to advance on and seize Isigny “with the least practicable delay.” Elements of the German 352. Infantrie-Division stood in its way. 

Opposing Forces

Germany - 352. Infanterie-Division

I will be playing a scratch rear-guard unit. My troops are mainly from a grenadier battalion in the 352. Infanterie-Division. My “core force” will be defending the main highway to Isigny, with two other groups defending fixed positions either side of the highway. 

The 352. was rebuilt in France after being shattered on the Eastern Front. Most of its troops were young 17-year-old conscripts. But it had a core of Eastern Front veteran NCOs who had been rigorously training the young recruits.  

352. was commanded by the talented Leutnant‐General Dietrich Kraiss. He took the initiative to place his division on alert shortly before D-Day because he correctly concluded that the Allied invasion was imminent and was going to occur in Normandy. 

United States - 29th Infantry Division

Cam will be playing the forward elements of 175th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division. The 29th Division, a National Guard formation nicknamed the “Blue and Grey”, was commanded by West Point graduate Major-General Charles H. Gerhardt. Its assistant commander was the famous Norman “Dutch” Kota (Gerhardt’s West Point classmate), who became one of the highest ranking Allied officers to lead men directly in combat on the frontline during D-Day. General Kota may make an appearance during our campaign. 

The 29th Infantry Division had been intensively trained in England before the invasion. Some of its men had undergone ranger training. 

Marching inland the 175th Regiment was accompanied by two companies of tanks from the 747th tank battalion, an independent formation attached to the 29th for the landings and subsequent push inland.

Campaign structure 

Omaha Sector: US player's route marked in orange

The German forces in the area are retreating to a new defensive line.  As the German player, I have to halt the US advance on Isigny long enough to allow significant German forces to withdraw across the river bridge at Isigny, and also buy sufficient time for pioneers to construct new defensive positions along the bank of the river. 

There are 5 scenarios. If the US player wins all 5 scenarios in a row, it is a heroic US victory. If Osmanville falls in campaign turn 6 or 7 it will be a major victory for the Americans, whereas Osmanville falling in Turn 8 will be a marginal US victory.

US staff map - German positions marked