May 2002 - WW2 Europe
Battle of Mausbach, 1944
On 2 May 2002 we played the Battle of Mausbach set in 1944 using 20mm miniatures and my Hail of Lead rule set. The venue was 2089 Key Boulevard, El Cerrito, California (aka Game Central).
I don't recall how this battle turned out. You'll note that all units are deployed on green bases to show the unit footprint. This was a feature of early Hail of Lead that I later did away with to improve the look of our games.
Scroll down past the photos to view the scenario information and order of battle.
Our battlefield
Source
This scenario is part of the Stolberg Corridor campaign included in the Command Decision 2nd Edition rules booklet. Scenario 6, p. 85, “Counterattack at Mausbach.”
Grand Tactical Background
The US First Army launches an offensive across the Belgian frontier into Germany itself beginning on September 12th. 3rd Armored Division and supporting assets advance through the fortified Scharnhorst Line, south of Aachen, and enter an area known as the Stolberg Corridor. This corridor is a clear path about ten to fifteen kilometers wide between Aachen to the north and the Huertgen Forest to the south.
Tactical Background
It is now September 17th. US forces have broken through the Scharnhorst and Schill Lines, and advance northeast to outflank the City of Eschweiler and secure an open path deeper into German territory towards the River Rhine.
German resistance has been spotty at best: a mix of poor-quality replacement battalions, fortress troops, and Luftwaffe field personnel, stiffened by small groups of armor and armored infantry.
Referee’s Eyes Only
If the US side does not succeed in capturing “The Weissenberg” hill, they must hold both Mausbach and Krewinkle. They should be told of this when it is apparent that the German counterattack is in full swing.
The German side does not know that there is a pontoon bridge built across the Vicht.
In addition to capturing Mausbach and Krewinkle, they must also destroy this bridge.
Place the bridge out when a German unit can observe the Vicht River.
This scenario is part of the Stolberg Corridor campaign included in the Command Decision 2nd Edition rules booklet. Scenario 6, p. 85, “Counterattack at Mausbach.”
Grand Tactical Background
The US First Army launches an offensive across the Belgian frontier into Germany itself beginning on September 12th. 3rd Armored Division and supporting assets advance through the fortified Scharnhorst Line, south of Aachen, and enter an area known as the Stolberg Corridor. This corridor is a clear path about ten to fifteen kilometers wide between Aachen to the north and the Huertgen Forest to the south.
Tactical Background
It is now September 17th. US forces have broken through the Scharnhorst and Schill Lines, and advance northeast to outflank the City of Eschweiler and secure an open path deeper into German territory towards the River Rhine.
German resistance has been spotty at best: a mix of poor-quality replacement battalions, fortress troops, and Luftwaffe field personnel, stiffened by small groups of armor and armored infantry.
Referee’s Eyes Only
If the US side does not succeed in capturing “The Weissenberg” hill, they must hold both Mausbach and Krewinkle. They should be told of this when it is apparent that the German counterattack is in full swing.
The German side does not know that there is a pontoon bridge built across the Vicht.
In addition to capturing Mausbach and Krewinkle, they must also destroy this bridge.
Place the bridge out when a German unit can observe the Vicht River.
UNITED STATES BRIEFING
Force Structure
Your force is Combat Command B, 3rd Armored Division.
All units are subordinate to the headquarters of Combat Command B.
Combat Command B Headquarters
Engineer Company A, 23rd Armored Engineer Battalion
Antiaircraft Battery A, 486th AAA Autoweapons Battalion (SP)
II Tank Battalion, 33rd Armored Regiment
36th Armored Infantry Battalion
391st Armored Field Artillery Battalion
U.S. Troop Quality and Morale Ratings
All your units are rated as Regular (4-6), Morale +0.
Victory Conditions
You must capture “The Weissenberg” hill and clear a road to the north of the map.
Deployment
Your forces may deploy in Mausbach and/or Krewinkle.
You may cross-attach units and form taskforces as you like.
Time and Duration
Today is September 17th, 1944.
Your attack will begin at 12 Noon.
The battle will end at sunset, 1900 hours, or when you have accomplished your mission.
Weather and Air Support
The weather is overcast at altitude, with some very light scattered precipitation.
Ground conditions are good, visibility is standard.
Expect no air support; none has arrived since the beginning of the offensive.
Combat Command B Headquarters
Regular (4-6), Morale +0
1 command stand (HQ)
1 jeep
1 staff radio halftrack w/AAMG (STF)
1 M5 light tank (S1)
1 recon jeep with AAMG (RB)
Company A, 23rd Armored Engineer Battalion
Regular (4-6), Morale +0
1 command stand (A)
1 jeep with MG
1 engineer stand (A1)
1 engineer stand (A2
1 engineer stand (A3)
1 medium dump truck
1 halftrack with AAMG
1 medium engineer supply truck with trailer (A4)
Auto Weapons Battery A, 486th AAA Autoweapons Battalion (SP)
1 command stand (A)
1 halftrack with AAMG
2 M16 MGMC halftracks (A1, A2)
II Battalion, 33rd Armored Regiment
Regular (4-6), Morale +0
Headquarters Company
1 command M4 (75) Sherman (HQ)
1 staff radio halftrack with MG (STF)
1 M4 HTMC mortar halftrack (S1)
1 M4 (105) Sherman (S2)
1 support stand with bazooka (S3)
1 halftrack with AAMG and ammo trailer (S4)
1 medium ammo truck with AAMG and trailer (1A)
1 medium ammo truck with trailer (1B)
1 recon jeep with HMG (R1)
Medium Tank Company A
1 command M4 (75) Sherman (A)
1 M4 (76) Sherman (A2)
Medium Tank Company B
1 command M4 (75) Sherman (B)
1 M4 (76) Sherman (B2)
Medium Tank Company C
1 command M4 (75) Sherman (C)
1 M4 (75) Sherman (C1)
36th Armored Infantry Battalion
Regular (4-6), Morale +0
Headquarters Company
1 command stand (HQ)
1 jeep
1 staff radio halftrack with MG (STF)
1 57L52 AT gun
1 gun crew (S1)
1 halftrack with MG
1 bazooka stand (S2) Rides in halftrack with AAMG.
1 halftrack with AAMG and ammo trailer (S3)
1 M8 HMC (75) SP howitzer (S4)
1 M4 HTMC mortar halftrack (S5)
1 medium ammo truck with AAMG and trailer (1A)
1 recon jeep with AAMG (R1)
Rifle Company A
1 command stand (A) Rides in any halftrack with another stand.
1 weapons stand (AW)
3 armored infantry stands (A1, A2, A3)
2 halftracks with MG
2 halftracks with AAMG
Rifle Company B
1 command stand (B) Rides in any halftrack with another stand.
1 weapons stand (BW)
3 armored infantry stands (B1, B2, B3)
2 halftracks with MG
2 halftracks with AAMG
Rifle Company C
1 command stand (C) Rides in any halftrack with another stand.
1 weapons stand (CW)
3 armored infantry stands (C1, C2, C3)
2 halftracks with MG
2 halftracks with AAMG
391st Armored Field Artillery Battalion
Regular (4-6), Morale +0
Headquarters Battery
1 command stand (HQ)
1 halftrack with MG
1 staff radio halftrack with AAMG
1 medium ammo truck with AAMG and trailer (1A)
1 medium ammo truck with trailer (1B)
1 forward observer M4 (75) Sherman (FO-I)
Firing Battery A
1 command stand (A)
1 jeep
1 M7 HMC (105) Priest (A1)
1 support stand with bazooka (A2)
1 halftrack with AAMG and ammo trailer (A3)
Firing Battery B
1 command stand (B)
1 jeep
1 M7 HMC (105) Priest (B1)
1 support stand with bazooka (B2)
1 halftrack with AAMG and ammo trailer (B3)
Firing Battery C
1 command stand (C)
1 jeep
1 M7 HMC (105) Priest (C1)
1 support stand with bazooka (C2)
1 halftrack with AAMG and ammo trailer (C3)
Reinforcements
Force Structure
Your force is Combat Command B, 3rd Armored Division.
All units are subordinate to the headquarters of Combat Command B.
Combat Command B Headquarters
Engineer Company A, 23rd Armored Engineer Battalion
Antiaircraft Battery A, 486th AAA Autoweapons Battalion (SP)
II Tank Battalion, 33rd Armored Regiment
36th Armored Infantry Battalion
391st Armored Field Artillery Battalion
U.S. Troop Quality and Morale Ratings
All your units are rated as Regular (4-6), Morale +0.
Victory Conditions
You must capture “The Weissenberg” hill and clear a road to the north of the map.
Deployment
Your forces may deploy in Mausbach and/or Krewinkle.
You may cross-attach units and form taskforces as you like.
Time and Duration
Today is September 17th, 1944.
Your attack will begin at 12 Noon.
The battle will end at sunset, 1900 hours, or when you have accomplished your mission.
Weather and Air Support
The weather is overcast at altitude, with some very light scattered precipitation.
Ground conditions are good, visibility is standard.
Expect no air support; none has arrived since the beginning of the offensive.
Combat Command B Headquarters
Regular (4-6), Morale +0
1 command stand (HQ)
1 jeep
1 staff radio halftrack w/AAMG (STF)
1 M5 light tank (S1)
1 recon jeep with AAMG (RB)
Company A, 23rd Armored Engineer Battalion
Regular (4-6), Morale +0
1 command stand (A)
1 jeep with MG
1 engineer stand (A1)
1 engineer stand (A2
1 engineer stand (A3)
1 medium dump truck
1 halftrack with AAMG
1 medium engineer supply truck with trailer (A4)
Auto Weapons Battery A, 486th AAA Autoweapons Battalion (SP)
1 command stand (A)
1 halftrack with AAMG
2 M16 MGMC halftracks (A1, A2)
II Battalion, 33rd Armored Regiment
Regular (4-6), Morale +0
Headquarters Company
1 command M4 (75) Sherman (HQ)
1 staff radio halftrack with MG (STF)
1 M4 HTMC mortar halftrack (S1)
1 M4 (105) Sherman (S2)
1 support stand with bazooka (S3)
1 halftrack with AAMG and ammo trailer (S4)
1 medium ammo truck with AAMG and trailer (1A)
1 medium ammo truck with trailer (1B)
1 recon jeep with HMG (R1)
Medium Tank Company A
1 command M4 (75) Sherman (A)
1 M4 (76) Sherman (A2)
Medium Tank Company B
1 command M4 (75) Sherman (B)
1 M4 (76) Sherman (B2)
Medium Tank Company C
1 command M4 (75) Sherman (C)
1 M4 (75) Sherman (C1)
36th Armored Infantry Battalion
Regular (4-6), Morale +0
Headquarters Company
1 command stand (HQ)
1 jeep
1 staff radio halftrack with MG (STF)
1 57L52 AT gun
1 gun crew (S1)
1 halftrack with MG
1 bazooka stand (S2) Rides in halftrack with AAMG.
1 halftrack with AAMG and ammo trailer (S3)
1 M8 HMC (75) SP howitzer (S4)
1 M4 HTMC mortar halftrack (S5)
1 medium ammo truck with AAMG and trailer (1A)
1 recon jeep with AAMG (R1)
Rifle Company A
1 command stand (A) Rides in any halftrack with another stand.
1 weapons stand (AW)
3 armored infantry stands (A1, A2, A3)
2 halftracks with MG
2 halftracks with AAMG
Rifle Company B
1 command stand (B) Rides in any halftrack with another stand.
1 weapons stand (BW)
3 armored infantry stands (B1, B2, B3)
2 halftracks with MG
2 halftracks with AAMG
Rifle Company C
1 command stand (C) Rides in any halftrack with another stand.
1 weapons stand (CW)
3 armored infantry stands (C1, C2, C3)
2 halftracks with MG
2 halftracks with AAMG
391st Armored Field Artillery Battalion
Regular (4-6), Morale +0
Headquarters Battery
1 command stand (HQ)
1 halftrack with MG
1 staff radio halftrack with AAMG
1 medium ammo truck with AAMG and trailer (1A)
1 medium ammo truck with trailer (1B)
1 forward observer M4 (75) Sherman (FO-I)
Firing Battery A
1 command stand (A)
1 jeep
1 M7 HMC (105) Priest (A1)
1 support stand with bazooka (A2)
1 halftrack with AAMG and ammo trailer (A3)
Firing Battery B
1 command stand (B)
1 jeep
1 M7 HMC (105) Priest (B1)
1 support stand with bazooka (B2)
1 halftrack with AAMG and ammo trailer (B3)
Firing Battery C
1 command stand (C)
1 jeep
1 M7 HMC (105) Priest (C1)
1 support stand with bazooka (C2)
1 halftrack with AAMG and ammo trailer (C3)
Reinforcements
The following units arrive across pontoon bridge over the Vicht River.
3rd Armored Division Reserves
Regular (4-6), Morale +0
Recon Company B, 83rd Armored Recon Battalion
1 command stand (B)
1 jeep
1 weapons stand (BW)
1 halftrack with AAMG
1 recon M8 armored car (B1)
1 recon M8 armored car (B2)
1 recon M8 armored car (B3)
1 recon jeep with MG (B4)
1 recon jeep with MG (B5)
1 recon jeep with MG (B6)
Rifle Company B, I/26th Infantry Battalion
1 command stand (B)
1 weapons stand (BW)
1 infantry stand (B1)
1 infantry stand (B2)
1 infantry stand (B3)
Light Tank Company E, 83rd Armored Recon Battalion
1 command M5 light tank (E)
1 M5 light tank (E1)
Company B, 703rd Tank Destroyer Battalion
1 command M20 armored car (B)
1 recon M8 armored car (B1)
1 M10 Wolverine tank destroyer (B2)
1 M10 Wolverine tank destroyer (B3)
1 M10 Wolverine tank destroyer (B4)
Auto Weapons Battery B, 486th AAA Autoweapons Battalion (SP)
1 command stand (B)
1 halftrack with AAMG
2 M16 MGMC halftracks (B1)
3rd Armored Division Reserves
Regular (4-6), Morale +0
Recon Company B, 83rd Armored Recon Battalion
1 command stand (B)
1 jeep
1 weapons stand (BW)
1 halftrack with AAMG
1 recon M8 armored car (B1)
1 recon M8 armored car (B2)
1 recon M8 armored car (B3)
1 recon jeep with MG (B4)
1 recon jeep with MG (B5)
1 recon jeep with MG (B6)
Rifle Company B, I/26th Infantry Battalion
1 command stand (B)
1 weapons stand (BW)
1 infantry stand (B1)
1 infantry stand (B2)
1 infantry stand (B3)
Light Tank Company E, 83rd Armored Recon Battalion
1 command M5 light tank (E)
1 M5 light tank (E1)
Company B, 703rd Tank Destroyer Battalion
1 command M20 armored car (B)
1 recon M8 armored car (B1)
1 M10 Wolverine tank destroyer (B2)
1 M10 Wolverine tank destroyer (B3)
1 M10 Wolverine tank destroyer (B4)
Auto Weapons Battery B, 486th AAA Autoweapons Battalion (SP)
1 command stand (B)
1 halftrack with AAMG
2 M16 MGMC halftracks (B1)
GERMAN BRIEFING
Force Structure
Your force is composed of separate parts of the 12th Infantry Division, just arrived in the area to stem the Allied advance into German territory. Your troops are well-trained with a seasoned cadre from the Eastern Front. All units are subordinate to the headquarters of 48th Grenadier Regiment
48th Grenadier Regiment Headquarters
I Infantry Battalion, 48th Grenadier Regiment
II Infantry Battalion, 48th Grenadier Regiment
I Infantry Battalion, 89th Grenadier Regiment
II Panzergrenadier Battalion, 10th Panzergrenadier Regiment
I Panzer Battalion, 33rd Panzer Regiment
German Troop Quality and Morale Ratings
All your units are rated as Veteran (3-6), Morale +0.
Victory Conditions
You must hold all your existing pre-battle positions and capture both Mausbach and Krewinkle.
Deployment
48th Grenadier Regiment—deploy near northern board edge, per referee instructions.
I Battalion, 89th Grenadier Regiment—deploy 10 inches from middle of west table edge, on road.
II Battalion, 10th Panzergrenadier Regiment—deploy in and around the town of Werth.
I Battalion, 33rd Panzer Regiment—deploy with any of the above units.
Time and Duration
Today is September 17th, 1944.
Your attack will begin at 12 Noon.
The battle will end at sunset, 1900 hours, or when you have accomplished your mission.
Weather and Air Support
The weather is overcast at altitude, with some very light scattered precipitation.
Ground conditions are good, visibility is standard.
Expect no air support; none has arrived since the beginning of the offensive.
48th Grenadier Regiment Headquarters
Veteran (3-6), Morale +0
Headquarters
1 command stand (HQ)
1 kübelwagen
1 staff radio wagon (STF)
1 recon cavalry stand (R1)
1 engineer stand (S1)
Antitank Battery 13
1 command stand (13)
1 kübelwagen
1 75L46 AT gun
1 gun crew-ds (13A)
1 medium truck
Infantry Gun Battery 14
1 mounted command stand (14)
1 75L12 infantry gun
1 gun crew-ds (14A)
1 light limber
1 150L11 infantry gun
1 gun crew-ds (14B)
1 medium truck
1 support stand (14C) Rides in the ammo wagon.
1 ammo wagon (14D)
I Battalion, 48th Grenadier Regiment
Veteran (3-6), Morale +0
Headquarters
1 command stand (HQ)
1 attached Panzerschreck stand (13B)
Infantry Company 1
1 command infantry stand (1)
1 infantry stand (1A)
1 infantry stand (1B)
1 attached MMG stand (4A)
Infantry Company 2
1 command infantry stand (2)
1 infantry stand (2A)
1 infantry stand (2B)
1 attached MMG stand (4B)
Infantry Company 3
1 command infantry stand (3)
1 infantry stand (3A)
1 infantry stand (3B)
1 attached Panzerschreck stand (13C)
Weapons Company 4
1 mounted command stand (4)
1 12cm mortar
1 gun crew-ds (4C)
1 medium truck
1 8cm mortar stand-ds (4D)
1 wagon
1 ammo wagon (4E)
2 carts
Your force is composed of separate parts of the 12th Infantry Division, just arrived in the area to stem the Allied advance into German territory. Your troops are well-trained with a seasoned cadre from the Eastern Front. All units are subordinate to the headquarters of 48th Grenadier Regiment
48th Grenadier Regiment Headquarters
I Infantry Battalion, 48th Grenadier Regiment
II Infantry Battalion, 48th Grenadier Regiment
I Infantry Battalion, 89th Grenadier Regiment
II Panzergrenadier Battalion, 10th Panzergrenadier Regiment
I Panzer Battalion, 33rd Panzer Regiment
German Troop Quality and Morale Ratings
All your units are rated as Veteran (3-6), Morale +0.
Victory Conditions
You must hold all your existing pre-battle positions and capture both Mausbach and Krewinkle.
Deployment
48th Grenadier Regiment—deploy near northern board edge, per referee instructions.
I Battalion, 89th Grenadier Regiment—deploy 10 inches from middle of west table edge, on road.
II Battalion, 10th Panzergrenadier Regiment—deploy in and around the town of Werth.
I Battalion, 33rd Panzer Regiment—deploy with any of the above units.
Time and Duration
Today is September 17th, 1944.
Your attack will begin at 12 Noon.
The battle will end at sunset, 1900 hours, or when you have accomplished your mission.
Weather and Air Support
The weather is overcast at altitude, with some very light scattered precipitation.
Ground conditions are good, visibility is standard.
Expect no air support; none has arrived since the beginning of the offensive.
48th Grenadier Regiment Headquarters
Veteran (3-6), Morale +0
Headquarters
1 command stand (HQ)
1 kübelwagen
1 staff radio wagon (STF)
1 recon cavalry stand (R1)
1 engineer stand (S1)
Antitank Battery 13
1 command stand (13)
1 kübelwagen
1 75L46 AT gun
1 gun crew-ds (13A)
1 medium truck
Infantry Gun Battery 14
1 mounted command stand (14)
1 75L12 infantry gun
1 gun crew-ds (14A)
1 light limber
1 150L11 infantry gun
1 gun crew-ds (14B)
1 medium truck
1 support stand (14C) Rides in the ammo wagon.
1 ammo wagon (14D)
I Battalion, 48th Grenadier Regiment
Veteran (3-6), Morale +0
Headquarters
1 command stand (HQ)
1 attached Panzerschreck stand (13B)
Infantry Company 1
1 command infantry stand (1)
1 infantry stand (1A)
1 infantry stand (1B)
1 attached MMG stand (4A)
Infantry Company 2
1 command infantry stand (2)
1 infantry stand (2A)
1 infantry stand (2B)
1 attached MMG stand (4B)
Infantry Company 3
1 command infantry stand (3)
1 infantry stand (3A)
1 infantry stand (3B)
1 attached Panzerschreck stand (13C)
Weapons Company 4
1 mounted command stand (4)
1 12cm mortar
1 gun crew-ds (4C)
1 medium truck
1 8cm mortar stand-ds (4D)
1 wagon
1 ammo wagon (4E)
2 carts
II Battalion, 48th Grenadier Regiment
Veteran (3-6), Morale +0
Headquarters
1 command stand (HQ)
1 attached Panzerschreck stand (13D)
Infantry Company 5
1 command infantry stand (5)
1 infantry stand (5A)
1 infantry stand (5B)
1 attached MMG stand (8A)
Infantry Company 6
1 command infantry stand (6)
1 infantry stand (6A)
1 infantry stand (6B)
1 attached MMG stand (8B)
Infantry Company 7
1 command infantry stand (7)
1 infantry stand (7A)
1 infantry stand (7B)
1 attached Panzerschreck stand (13E)
Weapons Company 8
1 mounted command stand (8)
1 12cm mortar
1 gun crew-ds (8C)
1 medium truck
1 8cm mortar stand-ds (8D)
1 wagon
1 ammo wagon (8E)
2 carts
I Battalion, 89th Grenadier Regiment
Veteran (3-6), Morale +0
Headquarters and Weapons Company 12
1 command stand (HQ)
1 12cm mortar
1 gun crew-ds (12C)
1 medium truck
1 8cm mortar stand-ds (12D)
Infantry Company 9
1 command infantry stand (9)
1 infantry stand (9A)
1 infantry stand (9B)
1 attached MMG stand (12A)
Infantry Company 10
1 command infantry stand (10)
1 infantry stand (10A)
1 infantry stand (10B)
1 attached MMG stand (12B)
Infantry Company 11
1 command infantry stand (11)
1 infantry stand (11A)
1 infantry stand (11B)
II Battalion, 10th Panzergrenadier Regiment
Veteran (3-6), Morale +0
Headquarters
1 command stand (HQ)
1 kübelwagen
1 staff radio truck (STF)
1 recon motorcycle SMG stand (R2)
Infantry Company 5
1 command infantry stand (5)
1 Panzerschreck stand (5C)
1 weapons stand (5W)
1 light truck
1 medium truck
Infantry Company 6
1 command infantry stand (6)
1 Panzerschreck stand (6C)
1 weapons stand (6W)
1 light truck
1 medium truck
Infantry Company 7
1 command infantry stand (7)
1 Panzerschreck stand (7C)
1 weapons stand (7W)
1 light truck
1 medium truck
Heavy Company 8
1 command stand (8)
1 kübelwagen
1 12cm mortar
1 gun crew-ds (8A) ❍ ❍ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
1 medium truck
1 75L46 AT gun
1 gun crew-ds (8B) ❍ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
1 SdKfz 11 tractor
1 medium ammo truck with trailer (8C)
I Battalion, 33rd Panzer Regiment
Veteran (3-6), Morale +0
1 command Panther G (HQ)
2 Panther GB (1A, 1B)
1 engineer stand (S1)
1 251/1 halftrack
1 sWS Quad 20mm AA halftrack (S2)
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