Panzers to the Meuse.... - Flames of War
Panzers to the Meuse.... - Flames of War
Panzers to the Meuse.... - Flames of War
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2. PanzerdivisionThe Early Years2. Panzerdivision was formed in Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 1935, making it one<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oldest Panzer Divisions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> German Army. The firstdivisional commander was no o<strong>the</strong>r than Heinz Guderianhimself, who developed <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>ories <strong>of</strong> tank warfare before<strong>the</strong> war.After <strong>the</strong> Anschluss <strong>of</strong> Austria, <strong>the</strong> Division was transferred<strong>to</strong> Vienna and many Austrians joined it ranks, earning <strong>the</strong>Division its nickname ‘Wiener Panzer Division’.It <strong>to</strong>ok part in <strong>the</strong> Blitzkrieg campaigns in Poland in 1939,France in 1940, and <strong>the</strong> Balkans and Greece in 1941.After <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Campaign in <strong>the</strong> Balkans, <strong>the</strong> trackedvehicles <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> division were shipped <strong>to</strong> Italy, but both shipsstruck British mines and sunk. The loss <strong>of</strong> all tanks delayed<strong>the</strong> deployment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Division in time for OperationBarbarossa.In Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 1941 <strong>the</strong> 2 nd Panzer arrived in Russia andwas deployed as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Herresgruppe Mitte advancing<strong>to</strong>wards Moscow. When <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fensive stalled, <strong>the</strong> men<strong>of</strong> 2. Panzerdivision were only 16 km from <strong>the</strong> city. TheDivision was pushed back from <strong>the</strong> gates <strong>of</strong> Moscow by <strong>the</strong>massive Soviet counter-<strong>of</strong>fensive in <strong>the</strong> Winter <strong>of</strong> 1941/42.In <strong>the</strong> next months <strong>the</strong> Division was embroiled in heavilyfought defensive battles. After a short refit at Smolensk in<strong>the</strong> Summer <strong>of</strong> 1942, <strong>the</strong> Division was deployed in <strong>the</strong>defence <strong>of</strong> Rzhev.During <strong>the</strong> battle <strong>of</strong> Kursk in 1943, 2. Panzerdivision was par<strong>to</strong>f Models 9th Army, forming <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn pincer. After <strong>the</strong>failure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Kursk Offensive, <strong>the</strong> men <strong>of</strong> 2. Panzerdivisiontried <strong>to</strong> hold <strong>the</strong> frontlines along <strong>the</strong> Dnieper River, sufferingheavy casualties in <strong>the</strong> progress. In spring 1944 <strong>the</strong> Divisionwas withdrawn <strong>to</strong> France for refitting.NormandyWhen <strong>the</strong> Allies landed in Normandy 2. Panzerdivisionwas at full strength with two <strong>of</strong> its four infantry battalionsmounted in half-tracks. The division was deployed in <strong>the</strong>area around Amiens, and only two days after <strong>the</strong> invasion<strong>the</strong> division was ordered <strong>to</strong> move <strong>to</strong>wards Normandy. Theleading elements entered combat on 12 June. The first battleswere against <strong>the</strong> British 7 th Armoured Division near Villers-Bocage, forcing <strong>the</strong> Desert Rats <strong>to</strong> retreat. The Wiener PanzerDivision remained in <strong>the</strong> Caumont area. During <strong>the</strong> Britishoperation Epsom <strong>the</strong> Pan<strong>the</strong>r battalion supported <strong>the</strong> forcesdefending against <strong>the</strong> British <strong>of</strong>fensive and was credited with<strong>the</strong> destruction <strong>of</strong> 53 enemy tanks.After <strong>the</strong> Allies began Operation Cobra and broke-through<strong>the</strong> thin lines <strong>of</strong> Panzer Lehr Division and streamed south,Hitler ordered Operation Lüttich, <strong>the</strong> ill fated attack <strong>to</strong>wardsMortain and Avranches. During <strong>the</strong> night <strong>of</strong> 6 August 2.Panzerdivision attacked and broke through <strong>the</strong> Americanlines only <strong>to</strong> be s<strong>to</strong>pped by American reinforcements about3 km short <strong>of</strong> Avranches. 116. Panzerdivision on <strong>the</strong> rightflanked started <strong>the</strong> attack <strong>to</strong>o late <strong>to</strong> make any progress while<strong>the</strong> SS Divisions <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> south were s<strong>to</strong>pped by <strong>the</strong> determinedresistance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> US 30 th Infantry Division. By noon,7 August, <strong>the</strong> morning fog had dispersed and <strong>the</strong> attacks<strong>of</strong> Allied fighter-bombers made all fur<strong>the</strong>r German attacksimpossible.In <strong>the</strong> next weeks <strong>the</strong> Allied forces closed <strong>the</strong> Falaise pocket,but 2. Panzerdivision escaped, withdrawing <strong>to</strong>wards <strong>the</strong>Westwall more or less intact. Although <strong>the</strong> Division sufferedheavy casualties in <strong>the</strong> Normandy battles, in particular <strong>the</strong>loss <strong>of</strong> heavy weapons and tanks was high, <strong>the</strong> division wasfar from destroyed.Deployed at <strong>the</strong> Westwall, <strong>the</strong> division supported <strong>the</strong> elimination<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> American bridgehead at Wallendorf duringSeptember. Earmarked for <strong>the</strong> planned Ardennes Offensive,2. Panzerdivision was finally withdrawn in November <strong>to</strong>received new equipment and replacements in <strong>the</strong> Eifel area.The Panzer Regiment retained two Abteilungen (battalions),one with Pan<strong>the</strong>r and <strong>the</strong> second with Panzer IV tanks. Buteach company was authorized <strong>to</strong> have only 14 tanks. Inaddition, <strong>the</strong> second Abteilung received StuG III assault gunsfor two <strong>of</strong> its companies in lieu <strong>of</strong> Panzer IV tanks. A fur<strong>the</strong>r21 StuG III were received by <strong>the</strong> Panzerjäger Abteilung.However, half-tracked vehicles were in short supply limiting<strong>the</strong> mobility <strong>of</strong> much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> division <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> roads.The Battle <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> BulgeFor <strong>the</strong> Ardennes Offensive 2. Panzerdivision was attached<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> XLVII. Panzer Korps commanded by Generalder Panzertruppe Freiherr von Lüttwitz. In addition <strong>to</strong>2. Panzerdivision, <strong>the</strong> Korps consisted <strong>of</strong> Panzer Lehr Divisionand 26. Volksgrenadierdivision.As soon as <strong>the</strong> Volksgrenadiere <strong>of</strong> 26. Volksgrenadierdivisionhad secured crossings over <strong>the</strong> Our and Clerf Rivers,2. Panzerdivision was tasked <strong>to</strong> breakthrough <strong>the</strong> Americanlines, bypass Bas<strong>to</strong>gne <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> north and race <strong>to</strong>wards <strong>the</strong><strong>Meuse</strong> and capture <strong>the</strong> bridges <strong>the</strong>re.Only one day before <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fensive Oberst Meinradvon Lauchert <strong>to</strong>ok command <strong>of</strong> 2. Panzerdivision, so he wasunable <strong>to</strong> meet all his commanders before <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><strong>of</strong>fensive.In <strong>the</strong> pre-dawn hours <strong>of</strong> 16 December, Pioneers and a battalion<strong>of</strong> Panzergrenadiers crossed <strong>the</strong> Our river in rubber boatsin order <strong>to</strong> capture <strong>the</strong> village <strong>of</strong> Marnach. This was meant<strong>to</strong> clear <strong>the</strong> road from Dasburg <strong>to</strong>wards Clerf and fur<strong>the</strong>r<strong>to</strong>wards Bas<strong>to</strong>gne, but <strong>the</strong> soldiers <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> US 28 th InfantryDivision entrenched <strong>the</strong>re held <strong>the</strong> village stubbornly. Onlyin <strong>the</strong> evening, when Pioneers finished a 60-<strong>to</strong>n bridge,were <strong>the</strong> division’s tanks able <strong>to</strong> cross <strong>the</strong> Our and join <strong>the</strong>fight. The defenders were <strong>the</strong>n slowly pushed back. In <strong>the</strong>morning hours <strong>of</strong> 17 December an advance guard reached<strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn <strong>of</strong> Clerf, less than two miles west <strong>of</strong> Marnachand headquarters <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> US 110 th Infantry Regiment. Theadvance guard was s<strong>to</strong>pped by Shermans <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 707 th TankBattalion. They lost four Panzer IV tanks in <strong>the</strong> fight, butdestroyed three Shermans in return. The defenders <strong>of</strong> Clerf
were fur<strong>the</strong>rmore reinforced by a tank company <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> US9 th Armored Division, but in <strong>the</strong> evening all <strong>the</strong> AmericanSherman tanks were ei<strong>the</strong>r destroyed or forced <strong>to</strong> retreat.Clerf was finally captured. On 18 December what was lef<strong>to</strong>f <strong>the</strong> 110th Infantry Regiment was forced <strong>to</strong> withdraw <strong>to</strong><strong>the</strong> west. However, <strong>the</strong> stiff resistance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 28 th InfantryDivision had played havoc with <strong>the</strong> German timetable.Meanwhile, CCR, US 9 th Armored Division establishedtwo roadblocks east <strong>of</strong> Bas<strong>to</strong>gne, <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn one near<strong>the</strong> village <strong>of</strong> Lullange, where <strong>the</strong> road from Clerf enteredthat leading <strong>to</strong> Bas<strong>to</strong>gne. The second roadblock was fur<strong>the</strong>rsouth near Allerborn. In <strong>the</strong> morning hours <strong>of</strong> 18 December<strong>the</strong> forward elements <strong>of</strong> Kampfgruppe Böhm reached <strong>the</strong>nor<strong>the</strong>rn roadblock. With <strong>the</strong> tanks <strong>of</strong> Panzer-Regiment 3close behind, <strong>the</strong> roadblock was soon surrounded and annihilated.The sou<strong>the</strong>rn roadblock was overrun shortly afterdusk.Oberst von Lauchert now turned his Division <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> northwestso as <strong>to</strong> swing past Bas<strong>to</strong>gne in <strong>the</strong> north and maintain<strong>the</strong> momentum <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> westward drive.All <strong>the</strong> delays allowed <strong>the</strong> American reinforcements <strong>to</strong> reachBas<strong>to</strong>gne before <strong>the</strong> Germans. One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se was Team Desobryfrom CCB <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> US 10 th Armored Division which deployedat Noville. The little village north <strong>of</strong> Bas<strong>to</strong>gne was directlyin <strong>the</strong> way <strong>of</strong> 2. Panzerdivision. Covered by <strong>the</strong> morning fog,<strong>the</strong> tanks <strong>of</strong> 2. Panzerdivision manoeuvred for an attack on<strong>the</strong> village. When <strong>the</strong> fog suddenly lifted, more than thirtytanks were revealed <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> defenders <strong>of</strong> Noville. Accuratefire from <strong>the</strong> American tanks and tank destroyers caused<strong>the</strong> attack <strong>to</strong> fail. At midday <strong>the</strong> 1 st Battalion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 506thParachute Infantry Regiment, under Lieutenant ColonelJames L. LaPrade reached Noville and immediately counterattacked.However, <strong>the</strong> paratroopers were unable <strong>to</strong> reach<strong>the</strong> ridge lines due <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> wi<strong>the</strong>ring German fire. Elements <strong>of</strong>304. Panzergrenadier Regiment infiltrated <strong>to</strong>ward <strong>the</strong> south<strong>of</strong> Noville. Threatened by <strong>the</strong> prospect <strong>of</strong> being surroundedand short <strong>of</strong> ammunition, <strong>the</strong> defenders <strong>of</strong> Noville finallyretreated <strong>to</strong>wards Bas<strong>to</strong>gne on <strong>the</strong> afternoon 20 December,but <strong>the</strong>y held up <strong>the</strong> advance <strong>of</strong> 2. Panzerdivision for nearlytwo days and caused heavy casualties.The Highwater MarkShortly after midnight Kampfgruppe Böhm, which hadbypassed Noville <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> north, captured a bridge over <strong>the</strong>Our<strong>the</strong> River at Or<strong>the</strong>uville. This opened <strong>the</strong> road <strong>to</strong>Marche and Namur invitingly, but 2. Panzerdivision didnot move, as <strong>the</strong>ir tanks had run dry and <strong>the</strong>y had <strong>to</strong> waitfor fuel. This allowed <strong>the</strong> advance elements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> US 84 thInfantry Division <strong>to</strong> occupy Marche. When <strong>the</strong> advancefinally resumed at nightfall 22 December, stiff resistance wasencountered at Marche. Lüttwitz ordered Lauchert <strong>to</strong> turn<strong>the</strong> bulk <strong>of</strong> his division west <strong>to</strong>wards Dinant and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Meuse</strong>,and <strong>to</strong> leave only a blocking force <strong>to</strong>wards Marche.Kampfgruppe Böhm raced up <strong>the</strong> highway <strong>to</strong>wards Dinant,followed by Kampfgruppe Cochenhausen, finally reaching<strong>the</strong> woods near Celles before daylight on 24 December. Theadvance elements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> division were only 9 km away from<strong>the</strong> <strong>Meuse</strong> crossings. The remainder <strong>of</strong> 2. Panzerdivision wasstretched all <strong>the</strong> way back <strong>to</strong> south <strong>of</strong> Marche with <strong>the</strong> dualmission <strong>of</strong> continuing <strong>the</strong> westward advance and <strong>of</strong> protecting<strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn flank.Meanwhile, <strong>the</strong> American 2 nd Armored Division began<strong>to</strong> arrive nor<strong>the</strong>ast <strong>of</strong> Celles. Their CCA moved southin<strong>to</strong> Buissonville, while <strong>the</strong> 24 th Cavalry ReconnaissanceSquadron occupied Humain, blocking 2. Panzerdivisionroute <strong>of</strong> advance. The leading Kampfgruppen were cut <strong>of</strong>f.In <strong>the</strong> meantime Kampfgruppe Böhm had reached <strong>the</strong> village<strong>of</strong> Foy-Notre Dame were it encountered several tanks <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> British 29 th Armoured Brigade. Losing several vehicles<strong>to</strong> British fire and running out <strong>of</strong> fuel, <strong>the</strong> reconnaissancebattalion went <strong>to</strong> ground. 2. Panzerdivision was s<strong>to</strong>pped lessthan 5 km short <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Meuse</strong> crossings.On 25 December CCB <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 2 nd Armored Division launchedCineyHot<strong>to</strong>nFoy-Notre-DammeCellesCiergnonWellinWoodsRiverRoadsRochefortHumainTowns&Villages2. PanzerdivisionadvanceEngagementsMarche-en-FamenneHargimontNassogneBandeChampionSaint-HubertOr<strong>the</strong>uvilleOrthoLa Roche-en-ArdennesSibretBer<strong>to</strong>gneNovilleBASTOGNEMarvieHouffaizeLongvillyBourcyAllerbornHeinerscheidClerfMarnachDasburg0 5 10 15 miles0 10 20 kilometres
its attack on <strong>the</strong> cut <strong>of</strong>f German Kampfgruppen. It was a clearday, and <strong>the</strong> attack received excellent air support. KampfgruppeBöhm was soon destroyed. Lauchert ordered a relief attack <strong>to</strong>be conducted by Kampfgruppe Holtmeyer. The attack beganon 25 December, but was soon s<strong>to</strong>pped by <strong>the</strong> 2 nd ArmoredDivision. The remnants <strong>of</strong> Kampfgruppe Cochenhausenfinally received permission <strong>to</strong> withdraw. Abandoning all<strong>the</strong>ir equipment about 600 men made it back <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir ownlines on <strong>the</strong> night <strong>of</strong> 26 December. 2. Panzerdivision was nolonger combat effective. The Ardennes <strong>of</strong>fensive had failed.In 1945 <strong>the</strong> remnants <strong>of</strong> 2. Panzerdivision fought in <strong>the</strong>Mosel region and along <strong>the</strong> Rhine. When <strong>the</strong> war ended inMay 1945, <strong>the</strong> division surrendered <strong>to</strong> American forces atPlauen.2. Panzerdivision KampfgruppenDuring Operation Wacht am Rhein (Watch on <strong>the</strong> Rhine)2. Panzerdivision was divided in<strong>to</strong> a number <strong>of</strong> Kampfgruppen(Battle Groups) for <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fensive. These were:Kampfgruppe von BöhmCommander: Major von Böhm (2. Panzer Aufklärungsabteilung)Units: 2. Panzer Aufklärungsabteilung (including an armouredcar company); and one Company <strong>of</strong> I. Abteilung/3. Panzer-Regiment with 14 Pan<strong>the</strong>r G tanks.Kampfgruppe von Böhm was <strong>the</strong> advance guard <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> division’sattack and led <strong>the</strong> way through <strong>the</strong> American lines.Their advance was halted at Foy-Notre-Dame and Dinant on24 December 1944.You can field a force based on Kampfgruppe von Böhm as ei<strong>the</strong>ra Panzerkompanie or a Gepanzerte Aufklärungsschwadron.Kampfgruppe CochenhausenCommander: Major Ernst von Cochenhausen(304. Panzergrenadier-Regiment)Units: II. Bataillon/304. Panzergrenadier-Regiment; two companies<strong>of</strong> I. Abteilung/3. Panzer-Regiment with 32 Pan<strong>the</strong>rG tanks; I. Bataillon/74. Panzer Artillerie-Regiment with 10Wespe and 6 Hummel self-propelled guns; one self-propelledBattery <strong>of</strong> 273. FlaK Bataillon; 38. Panzerpionier-Abteilung.Kampfgruppe Cochenhausen followed behind Kampfgruppevon Böhm as <strong>the</strong> division’s armoured battle group. However,all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> battle group’s panzergrenadier were mounted intrucks.You can field a forced based on Kampfgruppe Cochenhausenas ei<strong>the</strong>r a Panzerkompanie or a Panzergrenadierkompanie.Kampgruppe HoltmeyerCommander: Hauptmann Friedrich Holtmeyer(38. Panzerjäger Abteilung)Units: 38. Panzerjäger Abteilung with 21 StuG G assaultguns; II. Bataillon/2. Panzergrenadier-Regiment; I. Bataillon/304. Panzergrenadier-Regiment, II. Abteilung/3. Panzer-Regiment with 28 Panzer IV J tanks and 27 StuG G assaultguns; III. Batailon/74. Panzerartillerie-Regiment. It also contained<strong>the</strong> 3. Panzer regiment’s staff and anti-aircraft tanks. Itwas fur<strong>the</strong>r supported by 1124. Artillerie Batterie with four12.8cm K81 guns and 5 th and 6 th Batteries <strong>of</strong> 766. Volks-Artillerie-Korps armed with 15cm sFH18 howitzers.Kampfgruppe Holtmeyer was formed from <strong>the</strong> division’stank-hunter battalion, a battalion <strong>of</strong> tanks, and a battalion<strong>of</strong> panzergrenadiers pulled out <strong>of</strong> Gutmann’s command <strong>to</strong>make a relief attack and allow Kampfgruppe von Böhm andKampfgruppe Cochenhausen <strong>to</strong> retire. Unfortunately <strong>the</strong>ywere <strong>to</strong>o late and both groups were cut <strong>of</strong>f by American andBritish forces.You can field a forced based on Kampfgruppe Holtmeyer asei<strong>the</strong>r a Panzerkompanie or a Panzergrenadierkompanie.Kampfgruppe GutmannCommander: Oberst Joachim Gutmann(2. Panzergrenadier-Regiment)Units: 2. Panzergrenadier-Regiment (one battalion detachedon 25 December <strong>to</strong> Kampfgruppe Holtmeyer); one company<strong>of</strong> 38. Panzerjäger Abteilung with 10 StuG G assault guns;1 st Company, I. Abteilung/3. Panzer-Regiment with 14Pan<strong>the</strong>r tanks; II. Bataillon/74. Panzerartillerie-Regiment;one battery <strong>of</strong> 15. Volks-werfer-Bataillon; one company <strong>of</strong>38. Panzerpionier-Abteilung.As 2. Panzerdivision advanced west <strong>to</strong>wards Foy-NotreDame, Kampfgruppe Gutmann was deployed south <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><strong>to</strong>wn <strong>of</strong> Marche for flank protection.You can field a forced based on Kampfgruppe Gutmann asa Panzerkompanie, a Gepanzerte Panzergrenadierkompanie,or a Panzergrenadierkompanie.
Panzer Lehr divisionThe Retreat from FranceThe massive carpet-bombing at <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> Operation Cobrashattered <strong>the</strong> already weakened Panzer Lehr Division. Onlysmall pockets <strong>of</strong> resistance remained which were quicklyeliminated by <strong>the</strong> attacking American units. The commander<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> division, Generalleutnant Fritz Bayerlein was forced <strong>to</strong>retreat on foot.While Hitler ordered Unternehmen (Operation) Lüttich, <strong>the</strong>doomed attack <strong>to</strong>wards Mortain and Avranches, all combatworthyelements <strong>of</strong> Panzer Lehr Division where formed in<strong>to</strong>small Kampfgruppen (Task Forces) which guarded <strong>the</strong> flanks<strong>of</strong> Unternehmen Lüttich.The remainder <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> division was sent <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> rear <strong>to</strong> receivereplacements and returning stragglers, enabling <strong>the</strong> formation<strong>of</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r Kampfgruppe. Finally on 18 August, <strong>the</strong>division was sent <strong>to</strong> Laon, near Paris, for reconstitution, but<strong>the</strong> arriving reinforcements and tanks where just enough <strong>to</strong>bring <strong>the</strong> division <strong>to</strong> roughly 25% strength <strong>of</strong> its infantryand about 20 tanks.The uprising in Paris triggered <strong>the</strong> dispatch <strong>of</strong> a smallKampfgruppe <strong>to</strong>wards Paris, but it was unable <strong>to</strong> enter <strong>the</strong>City, and was surrounded by French resistance forces andhad <strong>to</strong> break out with heavy losses. The rapid Allied advanceforced Panzer Lehr Division, no longer functioning as adivision, <strong>to</strong> retreat across France <strong>to</strong>wards <strong>the</strong> Westwall on<strong>the</strong> German border.There, Kampfgruppe von Hauser played an admirable partin halting <strong>the</strong> American 5 th Armored Division’s penetration<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Westwall at Wallendorf, southwest <strong>of</strong> Bitburg. Thestrained Allied logistic situation and <strong>the</strong> decision <strong>to</strong> focuson Montgomery’s Operation Market Garden, forced <strong>the</strong>American forces <strong>to</strong> withdraw from <strong>the</strong>ir little bridgehead.In Oc<strong>to</strong>ber an order was received <strong>to</strong> redeploy <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> trainingarea Sennelager for reconstitution. The remaining tanks andheavy weapons were turned over <strong>to</strong> 2. Panzerdivision.Reconstitution and preparations for<strong>the</strong> Ardennes OffensivePanzer Lehr Division was <strong>to</strong> be reconstituted as a standard‘Panzer-Division 44’. However, a lot <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> equipmentrequired for this organisation was not available <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>division at <strong>the</strong> time.Panzergrenadier-Lehr-Regiment 901 had its staff and <strong>the</strong>first battalion mounted on armoured halftracks, <strong>the</strong> secondbattalion and Panzergrenadier-Lehr-Regiment 902 receivedtrucks, mainly Steyr 1500 troop-carriers.I. Abteilung/Panzer-Lehr Regiment 130 had been attached <strong>to</strong>Panzer-Brigade 113, while I. Abteilung/Panzer-Regiment 6,which had served <strong>the</strong> division in Normandy, returned <strong>to</strong> itsparent 3. Panzerdivision, leaving Panzer Lehr with only onemixed battalion <strong>of</strong> panzers.Replacements arrived only slowly. Trucks where in shortsupply and in November <strong>the</strong> division still had no tankdestroyers, <strong>the</strong> artillery regiment was lacking guns andprime-movers, and <strong>the</strong> lack <strong>of</strong> fuel and experienced NCO’shampered training.LorrainePanzer Lehr Division was earmarked for <strong>the</strong> plannedArdennes Offensive, but despite strict orders not <strong>to</strong> employ<strong>the</strong> division for any reason prior <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ardennes Offensive,<strong>the</strong> November breakthrough <strong>of</strong> Pat<strong>to</strong>n’s XII Corps in <strong>the</strong>Lorraine forced <strong>the</strong> OKW (German high command) <strong>to</strong>move Panzer Lehr <strong>to</strong> counter this threat <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> vital Saarindustrial region.At first <strong>the</strong> German forces were successful and pushedelements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> American 106 th Cavalry Group back, butcounterattacks by <strong>the</strong> 4 th Armored Division forced PanzerLehr Division <strong>to</strong> fall back and establish a defensive position.The arrival <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Panzerjäger Lehr Abteilung with 21 newPanzerjäger IV/70 enabled <strong>the</strong> division <strong>to</strong> repulse all attackson 27 November.Unexpectedly on 4 December orders arrived for <strong>the</strong> division<strong>to</strong> immediately load up on trains and head north, just 12days before <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> Hitler’s Ardennes Offensive.The Battle <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> BulgeFor <strong>the</strong> Ardennes Offensive Panzer Lehr Division was attached<strong>to</strong> XLVII Panzer Korps (47 th Armoured Corps) which consisted<strong>of</strong> 2. Panzerdivision and 26. Volksgrenadierdivision. PanzerLehr Division was placed in Army Reserve and ordered <strong>to</strong>stand by <strong>to</strong> support 26. Volksgrenadierdivision and <strong>to</strong> latertake Bas<strong>to</strong>gne in a coup de main if possible.26. Volksgrenadierdivision was assigned with securing bridgeheadsover <strong>the</strong> Our and Clerf Rivers, and thus enabling <strong>the</strong> twoPanzer divisions <strong>to</strong> breakthrough <strong>to</strong>wards Bas<strong>to</strong>gne. However,<strong>the</strong> American 28 th Infantry Division stubbornly defended itspositions, denying <strong>the</strong> Germans use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> vital roads leading<strong>to</strong>wards Bas<strong>to</strong>gne. Kampfgruppe 901 was ordered <strong>to</strong>wardsConsthum in order <strong>to</strong> help <strong>the</strong> Volksgrenadiers capture <strong>the</strong>village. By <strong>the</strong> morning <strong>of</strong> 18 December American resistancefaded away, allowing Kampfgruppe Fallois <strong>to</strong> resume <strong>the</strong>advance, followed by Kampfgruppe 902. Leading elements <strong>of</strong>Kampfgruppe 902 reached Nieder-Wampach at about 1900hours on 18 December. There Generalleutnant Bayerleindecided <strong>to</strong> continue on <strong>the</strong> shorter and more direct sideroad <strong>to</strong>wards Bas<strong>to</strong>gne instead <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> paved, but longer mainroad, believing it feasible for armour. But <strong>the</strong> tank trackschurned <strong>the</strong> road in<strong>to</strong> a muddy quagmire and trucks andprime movers bogged down. It was only at 0200 hours on 19December that <strong>the</strong> main road at Magéret was reached.Here, a Belgian civilian <strong>to</strong>ld Bayerlein about an Americanarmoured force <strong>of</strong> at least fifty tanks, that had passedthrough Margéret only two hours earlier. Concerned aboutsuch a strong enemy force behind his lines, Bayerlein set upa roadblock and waited for <strong>the</strong> bulk <strong>of</strong> his forces <strong>to</strong> close up.In fact <strong>the</strong> enemy force was only a small detachment fromCombat Command B <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 10 th Armored Division. When<strong>the</strong> advance was finally resumed, precious time had been lost.
At Neffe, only 2 km east <strong>of</strong> Bas<strong>to</strong>gne, <strong>the</strong> Panzergrenadiersclashed with <strong>the</strong> Paratroopers <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 101 st Airborne Division,which had just arrived. The advance <strong>of</strong> Panzer Lehr Divisionwas s<strong>to</strong>pped again and <strong>the</strong> race for Bas<strong>to</strong>gne lost. Fur<strong>the</strong>rsouth, in <strong>War</strong>din <strong>the</strong> paratroopers were forced back in bitterhouse-<strong>to</strong>-house fighting, but Kampfgruppe Fallois was <strong>to</strong>o exhausted<strong>to</strong> advance fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>to</strong>wards Marvie. The Americanswere able <strong>to</strong> established a strong defensive position.Bayerlein urged an immediate attack on Bas<strong>to</strong>gne withall divisions <strong>of</strong> XLVII Korps, but General von Manteuffeldeclined, believing that such a diversion <strong>of</strong> all corps’s forceswould endanger <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fensive thrust <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Meuse</strong>. All attackson <strong>the</strong> 20 December failed and on 21 December <strong>the</strong> divisionwas ordered <strong>to</strong> leave Kampfgruppe 901 in position sou<strong>the</strong>as<strong>to</strong>f Bas<strong>to</strong>gne and resume <strong>the</strong> westward advance past <strong>the</strong> southside <strong>of</strong> Bas<strong>to</strong>gne.In <strong>the</strong> following days Kampfgruppe 901 supported <strong>the</strong>attacks <strong>of</strong> 26. Volksgrenadierdivision, but only small gainswere achieved. Parts <strong>of</strong> Marvie where captured in extremelyheavy fighting with <strong>the</strong> Germans holding <strong>the</strong> south and <strong>the</strong>Americans holding <strong>the</strong> north <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> village.Casualties where high and when <strong>the</strong> 4 th Armored Divisionlinked up with <strong>the</strong> defenders <strong>of</strong> Bas<strong>to</strong>gne on 26 December,all notions <strong>of</strong> taking <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn were gone.Meanwhile, <strong>the</strong> main body <strong>of</strong> Panzer Lehr Division hadmoved out <strong>to</strong>ward St. Hubert. Overcoming light opposition<strong>the</strong> division made at first rapid progress, but on 22 Decemberfuel shortages delayed <strong>the</strong> advance.By nightfall on <strong>the</strong> 23 December <strong>the</strong> division had reachedRochfort. There <strong>the</strong> advance was delayed again, as <strong>the</strong><strong>to</strong>wn was defended by a reinforced battalion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> US 84 thInfantry Division, which only withdrew after a night <strong>of</strong>house-<strong>to</strong>-house fighting.Fur<strong>the</strong>r north, 2. Panzerdivision had advanced throughHumaine and Buissonville and <strong>the</strong> leading elements hadreached Celles, only six miles from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Meuse</strong> crossings inDinant before daylight on 24 December. There its leadingKampfgruppen were cut <strong>of</strong>f by <strong>the</strong> American 2 nd ArmoredDivision. Panzer Lehr Division was ordered <strong>to</strong> recaptureHumaine and Buissonville and reopen 2. Panzer division’sline <strong>of</strong> communication along Highway N4. WhileKampfgruppe 902 was able <strong>to</strong> retake Humaine, KampfgruppeFallois was s<strong>to</strong>pped before Buissonville by <strong>the</strong> US 2 ndArmoured Division’s CCA. The Highway N4 remainedblocked and Kampfgruppen von Böhm and Cochenhausen<strong>of</strong> 2. Panzerdivision were annihilated by <strong>the</strong> 2 nd ArmoredDivision on 25 and 26 December. The German <strong>of</strong>fensive in<strong>the</strong> Ardennes had reached its highwater mark.Retreat from <strong>the</strong> Ardennes and <strong>the</strong>final battlesWith Kampfgruppe 901 still at Bas<strong>to</strong>gne, both remainingKampfgruppen <strong>of</strong> Panzer Lehr Division established a strongdefensive positions. The divisional pioneers set about fellingtrees across <strong>the</strong> roads and laying mines. Panzergrenadier-Lehr-Regiment 902 received support from several Jagdpan<strong>the</strong>rheavy tank-hunters <strong>of</strong> 559. Schwere Panzerjäger Abteilung.Additional support came from <strong>the</strong> divisional artillery, <strong>the</strong>heavy batteries <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Volks-Artillerie-Korps and Heeres-Flak-Abteilung 311.Although most <strong>of</strong> Panzer Lehr Division’s forces were mereshadows <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir former strength, <strong>the</strong> defensive line heldagainst several American attacks until 11 January, when ageneral retreat began, with Panzer Lehr Division acting asrearguard. Snow s<strong>to</strong>rms and ice covered roads hinderedAllied pursuit. Panzer Lehr Division acquitted itself admirablyduring <strong>the</strong> fighting withdrawal. Finally on 26 JanuaryPanzer Lehr Division crossed <strong>the</strong> Our River <strong>to</strong>wards <strong>the</strong>German side, thus ending <strong>the</strong> divisions involvement in <strong>the</strong>Battle <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bulge.In February 1945 Panzer Lehr Division, <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r with 116.CineyHot<strong>to</strong>nFoy-Notre-DammeCellesCiergnonWellinWoodsRiverRoadsRochefortHumainTowns&VillagesPanzer LehrDivision advanceEngagementsMarche-en-FamenneHargimontNassogneBandeChampionSaint-HubertOr<strong>the</strong>uvilleOrthoLa Roche-en-ArdennesBer<strong>to</strong>gneBASTOGNESibretVauz-lez-RosieresNovilleHouffaizeBourcyLongvilly AllerbornMageretMarvieEschweiler<strong>War</strong>dinWiltzHeinerscheidMarnachClerfDasburgHosingen0 5 10 15 miles0 10 20 kilometres
Motivation and Skill2. Panzerdivision and Panzer Lehr Division are vastly experienced divisions. They have beenfighting non-s<strong>to</strong>p since <strong>the</strong> Allied Normandy invasion, except for <strong>the</strong> odd brief respite for refitting.A Panzerkompanie is rated Confident Veteran.Panzerkompanie HQHeadquarters2 Pan<strong>the</strong>r G 375 points 375 points1 Pan<strong>the</strong>r G 190 points 190 points2 Panzer IV J 175 points 175 points1 Panzer IV J 90 points 90 points2 StuG G (late) 195 points -1 StuG G (late) 100 points -HeadquartersHAUPTMANNCompany Command tank2iC Command tankCompany HQReluctantConfidentFearlessHAUPTmannConscriptTrainedVeteranUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierRecovery vehicleRecovery SectionPanzerkompanieOption• Add a Bergepanzer III recovery vehicle for +10 pointsor a Bergepan<strong>the</strong>r recovery vehicle for +15 points.Panzerkompanie HQThe panzers are always found leading <strong>the</strong> way in a German<strong>of</strong>fensive, <strong>of</strong>ten with close cooperation from <strong>the</strong> armouredinfantry <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> division, ei<strong>the</strong>r from <strong>the</strong> panzergrenadierregiments or <strong>the</strong> Aufklärungs Abteilung (reconnaissancebattalion).Combat Pla<strong>to</strong>onsYou must field at least one Panzer Pla<strong>to</strong>on or Pan<strong>the</strong>rPla<strong>to</strong>on entirely equipped with <strong>the</strong> same model <strong>of</strong> tank as<strong>the</strong> Company HQ.Pla<strong>to</strong>onPan<strong>the</strong>r Pla<strong>to</strong>on4 Pan<strong>the</strong>r G 750 points 750 points3 Pan<strong>the</strong>r G 560 points 560 pointsThe best panzers available <strong>to</strong> both 2. Panzerdivision andPanzer Lehr Division in <strong>the</strong> Pan<strong>the</strong>r G tank. It combinedexcellent armour with a powerful guns and good mobility.LeutnantLeutnantUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierCommand Pan<strong>the</strong>r GPan<strong>the</strong>r GHQ TankTankUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierPan<strong>the</strong>r GPan<strong>the</strong>r GTankTankPan<strong>the</strong>r Pla<strong>to</strong>on
Pla<strong>to</strong>onPanzer Pla<strong>to</strong>on4 Panzer IV J 350 points 350 points3 Panzer IV J 260 points 260 points4 StuG G (late) 395 points -3 StuG G (late) 295 points -The panzer regiments usually had a mix <strong>of</strong> Pan<strong>the</strong>r andPanzer IV tanks, as was <strong>the</strong> case with <strong>the</strong> Panzer LehrDivision. However, 2. Panzerdivision also had two companies<strong>of</strong> StuG G assault guns instead <strong>of</strong> Panzer IV J tanks in itPanzer IV battalion.LeutnantLeutnantUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierCommand tankTankHQ TankTankUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierTankTankTankTankPanzer Pla<strong>to</strong>onPla<strong>to</strong>onPanzer Anti-aircraftGun Pla<strong>to</strong>on4 Möbelwagen 220 points 220 points3 Möbelwagen 165 points 165 points2 Möbelwagen 110 points 110 points4 Wirbelwind 220 points 220 points3 Wirbelwind 165 points 165 points2 Wirbelwind 110 points 110 points3 Flakpanzer 38(t) 120 points -2 Flakpanzer 38(t) 80 points -LeutnantLeutnantCommand Anti-aircraft tankAnti-aircraft tankHQ SectionUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierAnti-aircraft tankAnti-aircraft tankAnti-aircraft sectionPanzer Anti-aircraft gun pla<strong>to</strong>onTo protect <strong>the</strong> panzers from Allied air power each panzerregiment was also equipped with anti-aircraft tanks.10
116. Panzerdivision16. Panzergrenadierdivision was formed from 16. Infanteriedivision(Mot) on 23 June 1943, but its organisation wasn’tchanged until Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 1943. It was effectively destroyedon <strong>the</strong> eastern front at Uman in March 1944, and <strong>the</strong>remnants were used <strong>to</strong> begin forming 116. Panzerdivisionon 28 March in France. Fur<strong>the</strong>r personnel came from179. Reserve-Panzerdivision.After heavy losses with <strong>the</strong> 7 th Army in Normandy, <strong>the</strong>division was moved <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Eifel region in Germany <strong>to</strong>rebuild. It was reinforced with personnel from Luftwaffefortress battalions XII, XIII and XIX. On 13 Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 1944,108. Panzer Brigade was incorporated in <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> division.116. Panzerdivision and 560. Volksgrenadierdivision werepart <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> LVIII Panzerkorps <strong>of</strong> 5. Panzer Armee during <strong>the</strong>Ardennes campaign. 116. Panzer division’s initial attack wasagainst <strong>the</strong> US 112 th Infantry Regiment <strong>of</strong> 28 th InfantryDivision at Lutzkampen.On 17 December <strong>the</strong>y captured a bridge over <strong>the</strong> Our River atOuren, but it was <strong>to</strong>o damaged <strong>to</strong> support heavy equipment,so 16. Panzer-Regiment (Kampfgruppe Bayer) was forced <strong>to</strong>retrace <strong>the</strong>ir steps and cross <strong>the</strong> Our at Dasburg. Havingreassembled at Heinerscheid on 18 December <strong>the</strong> divisionspearhead captured Ber<strong>to</strong>gne on 19 December. However, <strong>the</strong>Our<strong>the</strong> River bridge <strong>the</strong>re had been destroyed. Instead <strong>the</strong>ywithdrew <strong>to</strong> Houffalize and continued west on <strong>the</strong> northside <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Our<strong>the</strong> and captured Samree in <strong>the</strong> evening <strong>of</strong>20 December. On 21 December 116. Panzerdivision crossed<strong>the</strong> Soy-Hotten road and attacked Hotten. Their attack onHotten meet fierce US resistance and was repulsed.They were ordered <strong>to</strong> again retrace <strong>the</strong>ir steps and return <strong>to</strong>La Roche where <strong>the</strong>y crossed <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> south side <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Our<strong>the</strong>and continue westward. For <strong>the</strong> next several days <strong>the</strong> divisionwas completely worn down in continuous combat against<strong>the</strong> US 84 th Infantry Division in <strong>the</strong> area <strong>of</strong> Verdenne andMarenne, between Hoo<strong>to</strong>n and Marche-en-Famenne. Thedivision switched over <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> defensive by <strong>the</strong> month’s end.116. Panzerdivision ‘Windhund’(Generalmajor Siegfried von Waldenberger)16. Panzer-Regiment (Oberst Johannes Bayer)60. Panzergrenadier-Regiment (OberstleutnantHelmuth Zander)156. Panzergrenaider-Regiment (Oberst HeinrichVoightsberger)146. Panzerartillerie-Regiment116. Panzeraufklärungsabteilung (HauptmannEberhard Stephen)228. Panzerjagerabteilung281. FlaK Abteilung675 Panzerpionier-BataillonIn <strong>Flames</strong> Of <strong>War</strong>You can field 116. Panzerdivision using <strong>the</strong> 2. Panzerdivisionoptions with <strong>the</strong> following option changes:1: You can take <strong>the</strong> Panzer IV/70 (V) equipped Tank-hunterPla<strong>to</strong>on marked with <strong>the</strong> Lehr symbol.3: You cannot take <strong>Panzers</strong>päh Pla<strong>to</strong>ons, but may take Lehrmarked Half-tracked <strong>Panzers</strong>päh Pla<strong>to</strong>ons.4: Panzer Anti-aircraft Gun Pla<strong>to</strong>on may only be armed withtwo or three Möbelwagens.5: You may not take Assault Gun Pla<strong>to</strong>ons in your force.On a his<strong>to</strong>rical note, 146. Panzerartillerie-Regiment only had3 Wespe self-propelled guns during <strong>the</strong> Ardennes <strong>of</strong>fensive,so you may like <strong>to</strong> take just one section <strong>of</strong> three Wespe selfpropelledguns if you take an Armoured Artillery Battery.PanzerkompanieCiergnonWoodsRiverRoadsCineyFoy-Notre-DammeCellesRochefortHumainTowns&Villages116. PanzerdivisionadvanceEngagementsMarche-en-FamenneHargimontHot<strong>to</strong>nMarenne &VerdenneNassogneBandeChampionSaint-HubertSoyOr<strong>the</strong>uvilleOrthoSamreéLa Roche-en-ArdennesSibretBer<strong>to</strong>gneNovilleBASTOGNEHouffaizeLongvillyBourcyAllerbornHeinerscheidClerfDasburg0 5 10 15 miles0 10 20 kilometres11
GEPANZERTEPANZERGRENADIERKOMPANIEARMOURED INFANTRY COMPANYMECHANISED CompanyCombat Pla<strong>to</strong>ons HeadquartersHeadquartersGepanzerte PanzergrenadierkompanieHQInfantryGepanzertePanzergrenadier Pla<strong>to</strong>onInfantryGepanzertePanzergrenadier Pla<strong>to</strong>onPanzer Pla<strong>to</strong>onPan<strong>the</strong>r Pla<strong>to</strong>onAssault Gun Pla<strong>to</strong>onInfantryGepanzertePanzergrenadier Pla<strong>to</strong>onInfantryGepanzerte HeavyPla<strong>to</strong>on131313109271314You must field one pla<strong>to</strong>on from each box shaded black and may field one pla<strong>to</strong>on from eachbox shaded grey.Your force must be ei<strong>the</strong>r 2. Panzerdivision (marked ) or Panzer Lehr Division (marked ). Ifa pla<strong>to</strong>on has ei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se symbols, you can only take equipment and options marked withyour selected symbol. If <strong>the</strong> pla<strong>to</strong>on does not have ei<strong>the</strong>r symbol, you can take equipment andoptions marked with any symbol, or no symbol.Weapons Pla<strong>to</strong>onsregimental Support Pla<strong>to</strong>onsArtilleryGepanzerte HeavyMortar Pla<strong>to</strong>onArmourCannon Pla<strong>to</strong>onInfantryGepanzertePanzerpionier Pla<strong>to</strong>onArtillerySelf-propelled InfantryGun Pla<strong>to</strong>onFlame-throwerArmoured FlamethrowerPla<strong>to</strong>onReconnaissance1415281515Divisional Support Pla<strong>to</strong>onsArmourPan<strong>the</strong>r Pla<strong>to</strong>onPanzer Pla<strong>to</strong>onAssault Gun Pla<strong>to</strong>onTank-hunter Pla<strong>to</strong>onInfantryPanzergrenadier Pla<strong>to</strong>onInfantryPanzerpionier Pla<strong>to</strong>on91027272328ArtilleryArmoured ArtilleryBatteryMo<strong>to</strong>rised ArtilleryBatteryVolks RocketLauncher BatteryArtilleryArmoured ArtilleryBatteryMo<strong>to</strong>rised ArtilleryBatteryArmoured HeavyArtillery BatteryMo<strong>to</strong>rised HeavyArtillery BatteryVolks Heavy ArtilleryBatteryAnti-aircraftSelf-propelled AntiaircraftGun Pla<strong>to</strong>onPanzer Anti-aircraftGun Pla<strong>to</strong>onAnti-aircraft GunPla<strong>to</strong>on3130333130313032331034PanzergrenadierScout Pla<strong>to</strong>on26AircraftAir Support34Sd Kfz 251/1 half-track <strong>of</strong>116. Panzerdivision.12
Motivation and Skill2. Panzerdivision and Panzer Lehr Division are vastly experienced divisions. They have beenfighting non-s<strong>to</strong>p since <strong>the</strong> Allied Normandy invasion, except for <strong>the</strong> odd brief respite for refitting.A Gepanzerte Panzergrenadierkompanie is rated Confident Veteran.GepanzertePanzergrenadierkompanie HQHeadquartersCompany HQHeadquarters80 pointsDuring <strong>the</strong> Ardennes campaign armoured panzergrenadiers<strong>of</strong> 901. Panzergrenadier Lehr Regiment under OberstPaul Freiherr von Hauser formed <strong>the</strong> core <strong>of</strong> Kampfgruppe901. They were fur<strong>the</strong>r supported by <strong>the</strong> 6 th Company<strong>of</strong> 130. Panzer Lehr Regiment with Panzer IV J tanks,II. Bataillon/130. Panzerartillerie-Regiment.2. Panzerdivision used Kampfgruppe Gutmann made up <strong>of</strong>2. Panzergrenadier-Regiment supported by one company<strong>of</strong> 38. Panzerjäger Abteilung (StuG G) and 1 st Company,I. Abteilung/3. Panzer-Regiment (Pan<strong>the</strong>r G) as a strongreserve.GepanzertePanzergrenadier Pla<strong>to</strong>onPla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section with:3 Panzergrenadier Squads 285 points2 Panzergrenadier Squads 200 pointsOption• Replace Command Panzerfaust MG team withCommand Panzerfaust SMG team at no cost.• Add Tank-hunter team for +20 points.Gepanzerte Panzergrenadier Pla<strong>to</strong>ons may use <strong>the</strong> MountedAssault special rule.The Gepanzerte Panzergreandier Pla<strong>to</strong>on provide excellentattacking and defensive capabilities. With plenty <strong>of</strong> machinegunsand Panzerfausts, both enemy infantry and tanks mustthink twice before attacking <strong>the</strong>m. On attack <strong>the</strong> firepower,mobility and armoured protection <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir Sd Kfz 251/1 Dhalf-tracks allows <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> quickly approach enemy infantryand launch a devastating mounted assault.Company CommandPanzerfaust SMG teamSd Kfz 251/1 D half-trackCombat Pla<strong>to</strong>onsHAUPTmannHAUPTMANNCompany HQ2iC CommandPanzerfaust SMG teamSd Kfz 251/1 D half-trackGepanzerte PanzergrenadierKompanie HQCommand PanzerfaustMG teamLeutnant or oberfeldwebelUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierPanzerfaustMG teamPanzerfaustMG teamSd Kfz 251/1 D half-trackPanzergrenadierSquadPanzerfaustMG teamLeutnant or OberfeldwebelTank-hunter teamHQ SectionUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierPanzerfaustMG teamReluctantConfidentFearlessThe Company HQ <strong>of</strong> a Gepanzerte Panzergrenadierkompaniemay use <strong>the</strong> Mounted Assault special rule.Panzergrenadier SquadSd Kfz 251/1 Dhalf-trackUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierPanzerfaustMG teamSd Kfz 251/1 D half-trackPanzergrenadierSquadSd Kfz 251/1 Dhalf-trackConscriptTrainedVeteranPanzerfaustMG teamGepanzerte Panzergrenadier pla<strong>to</strong>onGepanzerte Panzergrenadierkompanie13
Gepanzerte Heavy Pla<strong>to</strong>onPla<strong>to</strong>onLeutnantLeutnantUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierHQ Section and2 Machine-gun Sections with:4 MG42 HMG 165 points 165 points3 MG42 HMG 135 points 135 pointsHQ Section and1 Machine-gun Sections with:2 MG42 HMG 90 points 90 pointsCommand SMG teamSd Kfz 251/1 D half-trackHQ SectionUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierSd Kfz 251/9 D (7.5cm) half-trackSd Kfz 251/9 D (7.5cm) half-trackGun SectionUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierHQ Section with:No Machine-guns 15 points 15 pointsOptions• Add Gun Section with:2 Sd Kfz 251/9 D (7.5cm) - +80 points• Add Mortar Section with:4 Sd Kfz 251/2 D (8cm) +155 points -3 Sd Kfz 251/2 D (8cm) +120 points -2 Sd Kfz 251/2 D (8cm) +85 points +85 points• Replace Command SMG team with CommandPanzerfaust SMG team for +10 points.A Gepanzerte Heavy Pla<strong>to</strong>on must have a Gun orMortar Section if it has no Machine-gun Sections.The concentrated firepower <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> heavy pla<strong>to</strong>on gives <strong>the</strong>armoured Panzergrenadiers <strong>the</strong> ability <strong>to</strong> form a Schwerpunkt(focus <strong>of</strong> effort) in on attack or defence. With mortars <strong>to</strong>pin <strong>the</strong> enemy, machine-guns <strong>to</strong> cut down enemy counterattacksand Sd Kfz 251/9 assault guns <strong>to</strong> knockout machinegunnest, you have a <strong>to</strong>ol for every task.MG42 HMGMG42 HMGSd Kfz 251/1 D(HMG) half-trackMachine-gunSectionObserverRifle teamKübelwagenMG42 HMGMG42 HMGUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierSd Kfz 251/2 D(8cm) half-trackSd Kfz 251/2 D(8cm) half-trackMortar SectionMachine-gunSectionGepanzerte Heavy Pla<strong>to</strong>onSd Kfz 251/1 D(HMG) half-trackSd Kfz 251/2 D(8cm) half-trackSd Kfz 251/2 D(8cm) half-trackGepanzerte Heavy Pla<strong>to</strong>ons may make Combat Attachments<strong>to</strong> Gepanzerte Panzergrenadier Pla<strong>to</strong>ons.Weapons Pla<strong>to</strong>onsGepanzerteHeavy Mortar Pla<strong>to</strong>onPla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section with:2 Mortar Sections 165 points1 Mortar Section 85 pointsOptions• Add Sd Kfz 251/1 D half-tracks for +5 points perhalf-track.• Replace Command SMG team with CommandPanzerfaust SMG team for +10 points.The heavy mortar pla<strong>to</strong>on provides Panzergrenadiers with<strong>the</strong> highly accurate and responsive fire <strong>of</strong> a mortar combinedwith a large payload <strong>of</strong> high explosive. The 12cm sGW43mortars are able <strong>to</strong> blast away dug in troops and guns <strong>to</strong> giveyour troops deadly fire support.Sd Kfz 251/1 Dhalf-trackSd Kfz 251/1 Dhalf-trackSd Kfz 251/1 Dhalf-trackSd Kfz 251/1 Dhalf-trackSd Kfz 251/1 Dhalf-trackGepanzerte Heavy Mortar Pla<strong>to</strong>on14
Pla<strong>to</strong>onCannon Pla<strong>to</strong>on6 Sd Kfz 251/9 D (7.5cm) 240 points4 Sd Kfz 251/9 D (7.5cm) 160 points2 Sd Kfz 251/9 D (7.5cm) 80 pointsThe Sd Kfz 251/9 (7.5cm) assault guns <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cannon pla<strong>to</strong>onprovide <strong>the</strong> Panzergrenadiers <strong>the</strong>ir own direct fire support.With <strong>the</strong> same gun as <strong>the</strong> older models <strong>of</strong> StuG assault gun,<strong>the</strong>y target enemy mortars, machine-guns and guns <strong>to</strong> clear<strong>the</strong> way for your infantry.Do not expect <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> fight as tanks, as <strong>the</strong>ir light armourwill lead <strong>the</strong>m only <strong>to</strong> a fiery doom.Command Sd Kfz 251/9 D(7.5cm) half-trackUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierSd Kfz 251/9 D (7.5cm) half-trackSd Kfz 251/9 D (7.5cm) half-trackGun SectionLeutnantLeutnantGun SectionSd Kfz 251/9 D(7.5cm) half-trackCannon Pla<strong>to</strong>onRegimental Support Pla<strong>to</strong>onsSelf-propelled Infantry GunPla<strong>to</strong>onPla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section with:3 Grille K 240 points2 Grille K 170 pointsGrille K self-propelled infantry guns are far more flexiblethan <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wed models. They can still operate as artillery,but when needed can drive forward, using <strong>the</strong> protection <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong>ir armour, <strong>to</strong> bring <strong>the</strong> enemy under direct fire for fasterresults.2. Panzerdivision and Panzer Lehr Division were issuedpla<strong>to</strong>ons <strong>of</strong> three, making <strong>the</strong> firepower <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir self-propelledinfantry guns more effective, especially when used <strong>to</strong>fire as artillery.Armoured Flame-throwerPla<strong>to</strong>onPla<strong>to</strong>on4 Sd Kfz251/16 D (Flamm) 210 points -3 Sd Kfz251/16 D (Flamm) 160 points -2 Sd Kfz251/16 D (Flamm) 105 points -Flame-throwers are <strong>of</strong>fensive weapons designed <strong>to</strong> take <strong>the</strong>initiative away from <strong>the</strong> enemy and provide deadly support<strong>to</strong> attacking Panzergrenadiers.CommandSMG teamUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierGrille KGun SectionLeutnantLeutnantSd Kfz 251/1 Dhalf-trackHQ SectionUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierGrille KGun SectionUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierSd Kfz 251/9 D (7.5cm) half-trackSd Kfz 251/9 D (7.5cm) half-trackGun SectionObserverRifle teamMo<strong>to</strong>rcycleand sidecarUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierGrille KGun SectionSelf-propelled Infantry gun Pla<strong>to</strong>onLeutnantCommand Sd Kfz 251/16 D(Flamm) half-trackSd Kfz 251/16 D(Flamm) half-trackFlame SectionLeutnantUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierSd Kfz 251/16 D(Flamm) half-trackSd Kfz 251/16 D(Flamm) half-trackFlame SectionArmoured Flame-thrower Pla<strong>to</strong>onGepanzerte Panzergrenadierkompanie15
GEPANZERTEAUFKLÄRUNGSSCHWADRONARMOURED RECOnNAISSANCE SQUADRONMECHANISED CompanyCombat Pla<strong>to</strong>ons HeadquartersHeadquartersGepanzerte AufklärungsschwadronHQInfantryGepanzerte AufklärungsPla<strong>to</strong>onInfantryGepanzerte AufklärungsPla<strong>to</strong>onPan<strong>the</strong>r Pla<strong>to</strong>onPanzer Pla<strong>to</strong>onTank-hunterPla<strong>to</strong>onInfantryGepanzerte AufklärungsPla<strong>to</strong>onInfantryGepanzerte AufklärungsHeavy Pla<strong>to</strong>on171717910271718You must field one pla<strong>to</strong>on from each box shaded black and may field one pla<strong>to</strong>on from eachbox shaded grey.Your force must be ei<strong>the</strong>r 2. Panzerdivision (marked ) or Panzer Lehr Division (marked ). Ifa pla<strong>to</strong>on has ei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se symbols, you can only take equipment and options marked withyour selected symbol. If <strong>the</strong> pla<strong>to</strong>on does not have ei<strong>the</strong>r symbol, you can take equipment andoptions marked with any symbol, or no symbol.Weapons Pla<strong>to</strong>onsReconnaissance<strong>Panzers</strong>päh Pla<strong>to</strong>onHalf-tracked<strong>Panzers</strong>päh Pla<strong>to</strong>onReconnaissance<strong>Panzers</strong>päh Pla<strong>to</strong>onHalf-tracked<strong>Panzers</strong>päh Pla<strong>to</strong>onArmour7.5cm Armoured CarPla<strong>to</strong>on1819181919InfantryAufklärungs Pla<strong>to</strong>onInfantryGepanzertePanzerpionier Pla<strong>to</strong>onArmourAufklärungs CannonPla<strong>to</strong>onArtilleryAufklärungs MortarPla<strong>to</strong>on19282020Divisional Support Pla<strong>to</strong>onsArmourPan<strong>the</strong>r Pla<strong>to</strong>onPanzer Pla<strong>to</strong>onTank-hunterPla<strong>to</strong>onArtilleryArmoured ArtilleryBatteryMo<strong>to</strong>rised ArtilleryBatteryVolks RocketLauncher BatteryArtilleryArmoured ArtilleryBatteryMo<strong>to</strong>rised ArtilleryBatteryArmoured HeavyArtillery BatteryMo<strong>to</strong>rised HeavyArtillery Battery9102731303331303130AircraftAir Support3416
Motivation and Skill2. Panzerdivision and Panzer Lehr Division are vastly experienced divisions. They have beenfighting non-s<strong>to</strong>p since <strong>the</strong> Allied Normandy invasion, except for <strong>the</strong> odd brief respite for refitting.Gepanzerte Aufklärungsschwadron is rated Confident Veteran.GepanzerteAufklärungsschwadron HQHeadquartersCompany HQHeadquarters80 pointsBoth 2. Panzerdivision and Panzer Lehr Division led <strong>the</strong>iradvance on <strong>the</strong> Muese River duirng <strong>the</strong> Ardennes <strong>of</strong>fensivewith <strong>the</strong> armoured infantry <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir Aufklärungs-abteilung(reconnaissance battalion) supported by panzers.Kampfgruppe von Böhm <strong>of</strong> 2. Panzerdivision was supportedby a company <strong>of</strong> 14 Pan<strong>the</strong>r G tanks. Kampfgruppe vonFallois <strong>of</strong> Panzer Lehr Division was supported by a company<strong>of</strong> Panzer IV J tanks and a company <strong>of</strong> Panzer IV/70 (V)tank-hunters.Pla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section with:3 Aufklärungs Squads 285 points2 Aufklärungs Squads 200 pointsOptionsGepanzerteAufklärungs Pla<strong>to</strong>on• Replace Command Panzerfaust MG team withCommand Panzerfaust SMG team at no cost.• Add Tank-hunter team for +20 points.• Add an additional Sd Kfz 250 half-track <strong>to</strong> eachsquad for +10 points per half-track.The Gepanzerte Aufklärungs Pla<strong>to</strong>ons were used <strong>to</strong> lead <strong>the</strong>way in <strong>the</strong> Ardennes <strong>of</strong>fensive because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir outstandingattack and defensive capabilities. With all <strong>the</strong>ir machineguns,enemy infantry will have trouble getting close, especiallyif <strong>the</strong>ir half-tracks are nearby as a mobile base <strong>of</strong> fire.The dismounted infantry are a formidable force <strong>the</strong>mselveswith two MG42 machine-guns per squad. Bristling withPanzerfaust and <strong>Panzers</strong>chreck anti-tank weapons, it wouldbe a brave enemy tank indeed that would approach <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong>closely.Company CommandPanzerfaust SMG teamSd Kfz 250 half-trackCombat Pla<strong>to</strong>onsHAUPTmannHAUPTMANNCompany HQ2iC CommandPanzerfaust SMG teamSd Kfz 250 half-trackGepanzerte Aufklärungsschwadron HQLeutnant or oberfeldwebelCommand PanzerfaustMG teamUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierPanzerfaustMG teamSd Kfz 250half-trackPanzerfaustMG teamLeutnant or OberfeldwebelPanzerfaustMG teamSd Kfz 250half-trackAufklärungs SquadUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierPanzerfaustMG teamTank-hunterteamHQ SectionReluctantConfidentFearlessAufklärungs SquadUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierPanzerfaustMG teamSd Kfz 250half-trackSd Kfz 250half-trackConscriptTrainedVeteranThe Company HQ <strong>of</strong> a Gepanzerte Aufklärungsschwadronmay use <strong>the</strong> Mounted Assault special rule.Sd Kfz 250 half-trackPanzerfaustMG teamSd Kfz 250half-trackAufklärungs SquadSd Kfz 250half-trackGepanzerte Aufklärungs pla<strong>to</strong>onGepanzerte Aufklärungs Pla<strong>to</strong>ons may use <strong>the</strong> MountedAssault special rule.GEPANZERTE AUFKLÄRUNGSSCHWADRON17
Gepanzerte AufklärungsHeavy Pla<strong>to</strong>onPla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section with:Mortar and Gun SectionsMortar SectionGun SectionOption180 points100 points95 points• Replace Command SMG team with CommandPanzerfaust SMG team for +10 points.Sd Kfz 250/1half-trackSd Kfz 250/1half-trackSd Kfz 250/8 (7.5cm) half-trackGepanzerte Aufklärungs Heavy Pla<strong>to</strong>ons may make CombatAttachments <strong>to</strong> Gepanzerte Aufklärungs Pla<strong>to</strong>ons.The heavy pla<strong>to</strong>on is equipped with mortars and 7.5cmcannons <strong>to</strong> give <strong>the</strong> Gepanzerte Aufklärungs Pla<strong>to</strong>ons immediatesupport.Sd Kfz 250/7 (8cm) half-trackSd Kfz 250/7 (8cm) half-trackWeapons Pla<strong>to</strong>onsSd Kfz 250/8 (7.5cm) half-trackGepanzerte Aufklärungs Heavy Pla<strong>to</strong>onPla<strong>to</strong>onWith Sd Kfz 234/2 Puma:4 <strong>Panzers</strong>päh Patrols 400 points3 <strong>Panzers</strong>päh Patrols 300 points2 <strong>Panzers</strong>päh Patrols 200 points1 <strong>Panzers</strong>päh Patrol 100 pointsOptions<strong>Panzers</strong>päh Pla<strong>to</strong>on• Replace all Sd Kfz 234/2 Puma armoured cars in one<strong>Panzers</strong>päh Patrol with Sd Kfz 231 (8-rad) armouredcars for -30 points.• Replace all Sd Kfz 234/2 Puma armoured cars in one<strong>Panzers</strong>päh Patrol with Sd Kfz 234/1 armoured carsfor -25 points.• Replace all Sd Kfz 234/2 Puma armoured cars in any<strong>Panzers</strong>päh Patrols with Sd Kfz 234/1 armoured carsfor -25 points per patrol.Command Sd Kfz 234 Sd Kfz 234<strong>Panzers</strong>päh PatrolFeldwebelCommand Sd Kfz 234 Sd Kfz 234<strong>Panzers</strong>päh PatrolFeldwebelCommand Sd Kfz 234 Sd Kfz 234<strong>Panzers</strong>päh PatrolFeldwebel<strong>Panzers</strong>päh Patrols are Reconnaissance Pla<strong>to</strong>ons.By <strong>the</strong> time <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ardennes <strong>of</strong>fensive <strong>the</strong> Sd Kfz 234/2Puma armoured car was in use by both 2. Panzerdivisionand Panzer Lehr Division. Additionally <strong>the</strong> 2cm armed SdKfz 234/1 armoured car had entered service with both divisions.A few older Sd Kfz (8-rad) armoured cars were also inservice.Command Sd Kfz 234 Sd Kfz 234<strong>Panzers</strong>päh Patrol<strong>Panzers</strong>päh Pla<strong>to</strong>on<strong>Panzers</strong>päh Patrols operate as separate pla<strong>to</strong>ons, each with<strong>the</strong>ir own command team.18
Pla<strong>to</strong>on7.5cm Armoured Car Pla<strong>to</strong>onPla<strong>to</strong>on3 Sd Kfz 233 (7.5cm) 135 points -2 Sd Kfz 233 (7.5cm) 90 points -3 Sd Kfz 234/3 (7.5cm) - 140 points2 Sd Kfz 234/3 (7.5cm) - 95 pointsFor fire support <strong>the</strong> 7.5cm armed armoured cars clears <strong>the</strong>way for <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r armoured cars by knocking out anti-tankguns and entrenched infantry.Pla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section with:3 Aufklärungs Squads 320 points2 Aufklärungs Squads 230 pointsOptionHalf-tracked<strong>Panzers</strong>päh Pla<strong>to</strong>on2 <strong>Panzers</strong>päh Patrols - 200 points1 <strong>Panzers</strong>päh Patrol - 100 points<strong>Panzers</strong>päh Patrols are Reconnaissance Pla<strong>to</strong>ons.<strong>Panzers</strong>päh Patrols operate as separate pla<strong>to</strong>ons, each with<strong>the</strong>ir own command team.As well as 8-wheeled armoured cars, Panzer Lehr Divisionalso utilised half-tracked Sd Kfz 250/9 half-tracks for reconnaissancework.Aufklärungs Pla<strong>to</strong>on• Replace <strong>the</strong> Command Kübelwagen Panzerfaust MGteam with a Command Panzerfaust KübelwagenSMG team at no cost.• Add Kübelwagen Tank-hunter team for +20 points.• Replace all Kübelwagen teams with <strong>the</strong> equivalentSchwimmwagen teams for +5 points for <strong>the</strong> pla<strong>to</strong>on.CommandSd Kfz 250 (Recce)7.5cm armoured carCommand 7.5cm armoured car7.5cm armoured car7.5cm Armoured Car Pla<strong>to</strong>onCommand KübelwagenPanzerfaust MG teamKübelwagenPanzerfaust MG teamKübelwagenPanzerfaust MG teamSd Kfz 250/9 (2cm)<strong>Panzers</strong>päh PatrolFeldwebelSd Kfz 250/9 (2cm)Command Sd Kfz 250/9 (2cm) Sd Kfz 250/9 (2cm)Sd Kfz 250 (Recce)<strong>Panzers</strong>päh PatrolHalf-tracked <strong>Panzers</strong>päh Pla<strong>to</strong>onKübelwagentank-hunter teamKübelwagenPanzerfaust MG teamKübelwagenPanzerfaust MG teamGEPANZERTE AUFKLÄRUNGSSCHWADRONAufklärungs Pla<strong>to</strong>ons use <strong>the</strong> Mo<strong>to</strong>rcycle Reconnaissancerules on pages 196 and 197 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rulebook and areReconnaissance Pla<strong>to</strong>ons while mounted.3. Kompanie , Panzer Aufklärungsabteilungs 2 (2. Panzerdivison)were meant <strong>to</strong> be mounted in Sd Kfz 251 half-tracks, but onlyhad bicycles for <strong>the</strong> Ardennes <strong>of</strong>fensive. However, <strong>the</strong>y quicklyutilised captured American jeeps <strong>to</strong> mo<strong>to</strong>rise <strong>the</strong>mselves onceagain.KübelwagenPanzerfaust MG teamKübelwagenPanzerfaust MG teamAufklärungs Pla<strong>to</strong>onYou can model your Kübelwagen teams with captured USJeep models.19
Pla<strong>to</strong>onAufklärungsCannon Pla<strong>to</strong>on6 Sd Kfz 251/9 D - 240 points4 Sd Kfz 251/9 D - 160 points2 Sd Kfz 251/9 D 80 points 80 points2 Sd Kfz 251/9 D,2 Sd Kfz 251/21 D(Triple 15mm), &2 Sd Kfz 251/2 D (8cm) 240 points -2 Sd Kfz 251/9 D &2 Sd Kfz 251/21 D(Triple 15mm) 170 points -The 4 th company <strong>of</strong> a Panzer Aufklärungsabteilungs wasa heavy company with supporting weapons. The heavycompany <strong>of</strong> Panzer Aufklärungs Lehr Abteilungs was us<strong>to</strong> strength and <strong>the</strong>y fielded a full pla<strong>to</strong>on <strong>of</strong> six Sd Kfz251/9 D assault guns in <strong>the</strong>ir cannon pla<strong>to</strong>on. However,Panzer Aufklärungsabteilungs 2 only had two assault gunsCommand Sd Kfz 251/9 D(7.5cm) half-trackUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierSd Kfz 251half-trackSd Kfz 251half-trackGun SectionLeutnantLeutnantGun SectionSd Kfz 251/9 D(7.5cm) half-trackUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierSd Kfz 251half-trackSd Kfz 251half-trackGun SectionAufklärungs Cannon Pla<strong>to</strong>onand combined <strong>the</strong>m with <strong>the</strong>ir small numbers <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rweapons half-tracks in<strong>to</strong> a combined heavy pla<strong>to</strong>on.This gives <strong>the</strong>m a unique weapons pla<strong>to</strong>ons <strong>of</strong> two SdKfz 251/9 D (7.5cm) assault guns, two Sd Kfz 251/21 D(Triple 15mm) anti-aircraft and two Sd Kfz 251/2 D 8cmmortar half-tracks.Pla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section and:AufklärungsMortar Pla<strong>to</strong>on3 Mortar Sections with:6 Sd Kfz 251/2 D - 240 points2 Mortar Sections with:4 Sd Kfz 251/2 D - 175 points1 Mortar Section with:2 Sd Kfz 251/2 D - 90 pointsUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierObserverRifle teamCommand SMG teamSd Kfz 251/2 D(8cm) half-trackLeutnantLeutnantSd Kfz 251/1 D half-trackHQ SectionObserverRifle teamUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierSd Kfz 251/2 D(8cm) half-trackThe 4 th heavy company <strong>of</strong> Panzer Aufklärungs LehrAbteilungs included a mortar pla<strong>to</strong>on <strong>of</strong> 8cm mortarsmounted in Sd Kfz 251 half-tracks. However, PanzerAufklärungsabteilungs 2 only had two mortar half-tracks inits heavy company and <strong>the</strong>se were fielded in a combinedheavy pla<strong>to</strong>on with <strong>the</strong>ir o<strong>the</strong>r weapons half-tracks.KübelwagenSd Kfz 251/2 D(8cm) half-trackMortar SectionObserverRifle teamKübelwagenKübelwagenUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierSd Kfz 251/2 D(8cm) half-trackMortar SectionMortar SectionAufklärungs Mortar Pla<strong>to</strong>onSd Kfz 251/2 D(8cm) half-trackSd Kfz 251/2 D(8cm) half-track20
9. Panzerdivision9. Panzerdivision was on raised on 3 January 1940 from4. Leichte Division (4 th Light Division). It <strong>the</strong>n played amajor role in <strong>the</strong> 1940 campaign, advancing through TheNe<strong>the</strong>rlands, Belgium and in<strong>to</strong> France with Armeegruppe B.The division travelled fur<strong>the</strong>r than any o<strong>the</strong>r Germandivision during <strong>the</strong> 1940 campaign. In April 1941 <strong>the</strong>division <strong>to</strong>ok part in <strong>the</strong> invasions <strong>of</strong> Yugoslavia and Greece.It <strong>the</strong>n fought with Armeegruppe Süd (Army Group South)during Operation Barbarossa, <strong>the</strong> German invasion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Soviet Union. It fought in <strong>the</strong> encirclement battles on <strong>the</strong>Dniepr River bend around Kiev. In <strong>the</strong> summer <strong>of</strong> 1942<strong>the</strong> division <strong>to</strong>ok part in <strong>the</strong> drive for <strong>the</strong> Caucasus oilfieldsthat resulted in <strong>the</strong> Battle for Stalingrad. 9. Panzerdivisionavoided being caught in <strong>the</strong> Stalingrad encirclement by beingtransferred <strong>to</strong> Armeegruppe Mitte (Army Group Centre). In1943 it <strong>to</strong>ok part in <strong>the</strong> battle <strong>of</strong> Kursk, and after <strong>the</strong> failure<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fensive spent <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> 1943 on defence. It waswithdrawn <strong>to</strong> France for rebuilding in May 1944 and byAugust it had been sent <strong>to</strong> Normandy <strong>to</strong> help halt <strong>the</strong> Alliedinvasion. Despite dwindling strength <strong>the</strong> division was keptin <strong>the</strong> line until September, by which time it had retreated <strong>to</strong>Aachen in Germany. It was rebuilt once again, incorporating2105. Panzerabteilung and o<strong>the</strong>r units from <strong>the</strong> 105. Panzer-Brigade, and was back in <strong>the</strong> line at Aachen in mid-Oc<strong>to</strong>ber1944.The division initially wasn’t going <strong>to</strong> be part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ardennes<strong>of</strong>fensive <strong>of</strong> December 1944, instead it was earmarked <strong>to</strong>take part in an attack in <strong>the</strong> Venlo Region. However, as <strong>the</strong>Ardennes <strong>of</strong>fensive made slow progress 9. Panzerdivisionwas transferred <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> reserve <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Fifteenth Army on 18December. It was <strong>the</strong>n moved <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> XLVII Korps <strong>to</strong> followbehind 2. Panzerdivision as it made its thrust <strong>to</strong>wards <strong>the</strong><strong>Meuse</strong> River. Lack <strong>of</strong> fuel and <strong>the</strong> congested roads meantthat 9. Panzerdivision didn’t catch up with <strong>the</strong> main body <strong>of</strong>2. Panzerdivision near Rochefort until 25 December. SomePan<strong>the</strong>r tanks <strong>of</strong> 33. Panzer-Regiment joined KampfgruppeHoltmeyer (2. Panzerdivision) as <strong>the</strong>y tried <strong>to</strong> relieveKampfguppen Von Böhm and von Cochenhausen. Onceagain lack <strong>of</strong> fuel, US artillery fire and domination <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>sky by American and British fighter-bombers halted <strong>the</strong>relieving attack. It was decided <strong>to</strong> withdraw ra<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>n risk<strong>the</strong> encirclement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> 2. Panzerdivision. The rest <strong>of</strong>9. Panzerdivision meanwhile set about securing <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rnflank by taking Humain on 26 December. Two days later<strong>the</strong>y were pushed out by Combat Command A <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> US 2 ndArmored Division.The division was reassigned <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> LVIII Korps on 29December. They continued <strong>to</strong> fight in <strong>the</strong> line until 14January 1945, retiring <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Eifel Region in Germany,where <strong>the</strong> division distinguished itself. It fought against <strong>the</strong>Allied bridgehead at Remagen in February, by which time itwas just a battalion-sized kampfgruppe <strong>of</strong> 600 men and 15tanks. It was forced <strong>to</strong> retreat in March and was encircledand captured in <strong>the</strong> Ruhr Pocket in April 1945.9. Panzerdivision(Generalmajor Freiherr Harald von Elverfeldt)33. Panzer-Regiment (Oberst Werner Streit)10. Panzergrenadier-Regiment (Oberstleutnant Dr.Johann Reich)11. Panzergrenadier-Regiment102. Panzerartillerie-Regiment9. Panzeraufklärungsabteilung (Hauptmann HeinrichVoutta)50. Panzerjägerabteilung287. FlaK Abteilung (Hauptmann Rolf Schmidt)86. Panzerpionier-BataillonIn <strong>Flames</strong> Of <strong>War</strong>You can field 9. Panzerdivision using <strong>the</strong> 2. Panzerdivisionoptions with <strong>the</strong> following changes:1: You can take <strong>the</strong> Panzer IV/70 (V) equipped Tank-hunterPla<strong>to</strong>on marked with <strong>the</strong> Lehr symbol.2: You cannot take an Armoured Artillery Battery. 102.Panzerartillerie-Regiment had no Wespe self-propelled gunsavailable during <strong>the</strong> Ardennes <strong>of</strong>fensive. They did have nineHummel self-propelled heavy howitzers, so you can still takea Armoured Heavy Artillery Battery.3: You can only take <strong>Panzers</strong>päh Pla<strong>to</strong>ons armed with Sd Kfz231 (8-rad) or Sd Kfz 234/1 armoured cars.4: Panzer Anti-aircraft Gun Pla<strong>to</strong>on may not be armed withFlakpanzer 38(t).5: You may not take Assault Gun Pla<strong>to</strong>ons in your force.21
PANZERGRENADIERKOMPANIEMo<strong>to</strong>rised Infantry COMPANYInfantry CompanyCombat Pla<strong>to</strong>ons HeadquartersHeadquartersPanzergrenadierkompanieHQInfantryPanzergrenadier Pla<strong>to</strong>onInfantryPanzergrenadier Pla<strong>to</strong>onInfantryPanzergrenadier Pla<strong>to</strong>onInfantryPanergrenadier HeavyPla<strong>to</strong>onCaptured VehiclesIn <strong>the</strong> first days <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><strong>of</strong>fensive Panzer LehrDivision captured approximately120 undamagedjeeps and over 150 intacttrucks. 2. Panzerdivisionhad also captured largenumbers <strong>of</strong> Americanvehicles, including trucks,jeeps, and half-tracks,enough <strong>to</strong> mo<strong>to</strong>rise both<strong>of</strong> its bicycle battalions.Since <strong>the</strong> only differenceis a visual one, feel free <strong>to</strong>model any or all <strong>of</strong> yourKübelwagen jeeps withAmerican Jeeps and your3-<strong>to</strong>n trucks with American2½-<strong>to</strong>n trucks.2323232324You must field one pla<strong>to</strong>on from each box shaded black and may field one pla<strong>to</strong>on from eachbox shaded grey.Your force must be ei<strong>the</strong>r 2. Panzerdivision (marked ) or Panzer Lehr Division (marked ). Ifa pla<strong>to</strong>on has ei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se symbols, you can only take equipment and options marked withyour selected symbol. If <strong>the</strong> pla<strong>to</strong>on does not have ei<strong>the</strong>r symbol, you can take equipment andoptions marked with any symbol, or no symbol.Weapons Pla<strong>to</strong>onsregimental Support Pla<strong>to</strong>onsArtilleryPanzergrenadierHeavy Mortar Pla<strong>to</strong>onPanzergrenadierMortar Pla<strong>to</strong>onArtilleryPanzergrenadierInfantry Gun Pla<strong>to</strong>onAnti-aircraftPanzergrenadierAnti-aircraft Gun Pla<strong>to</strong>onArmourCannon Pla<strong>to</strong>onInfantryPanzerpionier Pla<strong>to</strong>onArtillerySelf-propelled InfantryGun Pla<strong>to</strong>onPanzergrenadierHeavy Infantry GunPla<strong>to</strong>onFlame-throwerArmoured FlamethrowerPla<strong>to</strong>onReconnaissance242525261528152615Divisional Support Pla<strong>to</strong>onsArmourPan<strong>the</strong>r Pla<strong>to</strong>onPanzer Pla<strong>to</strong>onAssault Gun Pla<strong>to</strong>onTank-hunter Pla<strong>to</strong>onArmourPan<strong>the</strong>r Pla<strong>to</strong>onPanzer Pla<strong>to</strong>onAssault Gun Pla<strong>to</strong>onAnti-tankAnti-tank Gun Pla<strong>to</strong>onInfantryGepanzertePanzergrenadier Pla<strong>to</strong>onVolksgrenadierSturm Pla<strong>to</strong>onVolksgrenadierSchützen Pla<strong>to</strong>onInfantryGepanzertePanzerpionier Pla<strong>to</strong>onPanzerpionier Pla<strong>to</strong>on910272791027271329292828ArtilleryArmoured ArtilleryBatteryMo<strong>to</strong>rised ArtilleryBatteryArmoured HeavyArtillery BatteryMo<strong>to</strong>rised HeavyArtillery BatteryVolks HeavyArtillery BatteryPanzer RocketLauncher BatteryAir SupportArtilleryArmoured ArtilleryBatteryMo<strong>to</strong>rised ArtilleryBatteryVolks RocketLauncher BatteryAnti-aircraftSelf-propelled AntiaircraftGun Pla<strong>to</strong>onPanzer Anti-aircraftGun Pla<strong>to</strong>onAnti-aircraft GunPla<strong>to</strong>onAnti-aircraftHeavy Anti-aircraftGun Pla<strong>to</strong>onAircraft313033313031303232331034343422PanzergrenadierScout Pla<strong>to</strong>on26
Motivation and Skill2. Panzerdivision and Panzer Lehr Division are vastly experienced divisions. They have beenfighting non-s<strong>to</strong>p since <strong>the</strong> Allied Normandy invasion, except for <strong>the</strong> odd brief respite for refitting.A Panzergrenadierkompanie is rated Confident Veteran.Panzergrenadierkompanie HQHeadquartersCompany HQOptions• Add Kübelwagen jeeps for +5 points.Headquarters65 points• Replace Kübelwagen jeeps with Sd Kfz 251/1 halftracksfor +10 points per half-track.The Company HQ <strong>of</strong> a Panzergrenadierkompanie mountedin Sd Kfz 251/1 half-tracks may use <strong>the</strong> Mounted Assaultspecial rule.The bulk <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> infantry <strong>of</strong> both 2. Panzerdivision and PanzerLehr Divisions’ is made up <strong>of</strong> mo<strong>to</strong>rised Panzergrenadiers.They made up <strong>the</strong> bulk <strong>of</strong> 2. Panzer Division’s KampfgruppePanzergrenadier Pla<strong>to</strong>onPla<strong>to</strong>onCompany CommandPanzerfaust SMG teamKübelwagenCombat Pla<strong>to</strong>onsHAUPTmannHAUPTMANNReluctantConfidentFearlessCompany HQ2iC CommandPanzerfaust SMG teamKübelwagenPanzergrenadierKompanie HQLeutnant or oberfeldwebelLeutnant or OberfeldwebelConscriptTrainedVeteranCochenhausen, Kampgruppe Holtmeyer and KampfgruppeGutmann. They also formed most <strong>of</strong> Panzer Lehr Division’sKampfgruppe 902. Panzer Lehr Division’s mo<strong>to</strong>risedPanzergrenadierkompanie headquarters were <strong>of</strong>ten mountedin Sd Kfz 251 half-track, even though most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> panzergrenadiers<strong>the</strong>mselves were not.PanzergrenadierkompanieHQ Section with:3 Panzergrenadier Squads 245 points2 Panzergrenadier Squads 175 pointsOptions• Replace Command Panzerfaust MG team withCommand Panzerfaust SMG team at no cost.• Replace all <strong>the</strong> Panzerfaust MG teams with PanzerfaustAssault Rifle teams in two Panzergrenadier Squadsand <strong>the</strong> HQ Section for +25 points.• Add Tank-hunter team for +20 points.• Add 3-<strong>to</strong>n trucks for +5 points for <strong>the</strong> pla<strong>to</strong>on.• Replace 3-<strong>to</strong>n trucks with captured US M3 halftracksfor +5 points per half-track.Despite <strong>the</strong>ir name, most Panzergrenadiers are mo<strong>to</strong>rised intrucks ra<strong>the</strong>r than mounted in armoured half-tracks. Theyare <strong>the</strong> core <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Panzer divisions and are well armed withtwo MG-42 machine-guns in each section. They are additionallyarmed with Panzerfaust and <strong>Panzers</strong>chreck anti-tankweapons. Some units may have begun <strong>to</strong> adopt <strong>the</strong> later organisationequipping two squads with StG44 assault rifles.Command Panzerfaust MG teamUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierPanzerfaustMG team3-<strong>to</strong>n truckPanzerfaustMG teamPanzergrenadierSquadPanzerfaustMG teamHQ SectionUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierPanzerfaustMG teamPanzergrenadier SquadTank-hunter teamUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierPanzerfaustMG team3-<strong>to</strong>n truckPanzergrenadierSquad3-<strong>to</strong>n truckPanzergrenadier pla<strong>to</strong>onPanzerfaustMG teamPanzergrenadier Pla<strong>to</strong>ons mounted in captured US M3half-tracks do not use <strong>the</strong> Mounted Assault special rule.23
Pla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section and2 Machine-gun Sections with:4 MG42 HMG 135 points -3 MG42 HMG 105 points -HQ Section and1 Machine-gun Sections with:2 MG42 HMG 70 points 70 pointsHQ Section with:No Machine-guns 10 points 10 pointsOptionsPanzergrenadier HeavyPla<strong>to</strong>on• Add Mortar Section with:4 8cm GW34 +115 points +115 points3 8cm GW34 +90 points +90 points2 8cm GW34 +65 points +65 points• Replace Command SMG team with CommandPanzerfaust SMG team for +10 points.• Add Kübelwagen jeeps and 3-<strong>to</strong>n trucks for +5 pointsfor <strong>the</strong> pla<strong>to</strong>on.A Panzergrenadier Heavy Pla<strong>to</strong>on must have aMortar Section if it has no Machine-gun Sections.The Panzergrenadier Heavy Pla<strong>to</strong>on operates forward with<strong>the</strong> Panzergrenadiers on attack, providing mortars <strong>to</strong> engageenemy guns and machine-gun positions and machine-gunspin down enemy infantry.Command SMG teamUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierMG42 HMG3-<strong>to</strong>n truckMG42 HMGMachine-gunSectionObserver Rifle teamKübelwagen3-<strong>to</strong>n truckLeutnantLeutnantHQ SectionUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierGW34 mortarGW34 mortarKübelwagenMortar SectionUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierMG42 HMG3-<strong>to</strong>n truckMachine-gunSection3-<strong>to</strong>n truckGW34 mortarGW34 mortarPanzergrenadier Heavy Pla<strong>to</strong>onMG42 HMGPanzergrenadier Heavy Pla<strong>to</strong>ons may make CombatAttachments <strong>to</strong> Panzergrenadier Pla<strong>to</strong>ons.Weapons Pla<strong>to</strong>onsPanzergrenadierHeavy Mortar Pla<strong>to</strong>onPla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section with:2 Mortar Sections 165 points1 Mortar Section 85 pointsOptions• Replace Command SMG team with CommandPanzerfaust SMG team for +10 points.• Add Kübelwagen Jeeps and 3-<strong>to</strong>n trucks for +5 pointsfor <strong>the</strong> pla<strong>to</strong>on.3-<strong>to</strong>n truck3-<strong>to</strong>n truckThough part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial organisation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SchwereKompanie (heavy company) <strong>of</strong> a Panzergrenadier battalionfor some time, it is only in late 1944 that most regimentshave <strong>the</strong>ir allocation <strong>of</strong> 12cm sGW43 heavy mortars, supplementing<strong>the</strong> old 8cm medium mortars. These are asflexible as <strong>the</strong> 8cm mortar, but with more hitting power <strong>to</strong>dig enemy guns and infantry out <strong>of</strong> prepared positions.3-<strong>to</strong>n truck3-<strong>to</strong>n truckPanzergrenadier Heavy Mortar Pla<strong>to</strong>on24
Panzergrenadier MortarPla<strong>to</strong>onPla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section with:3 Mortar Sections 180 points -2 Mortar Sections 125 points -1 Mortar Section 65 points -Options• Replace Command SMG team with CommandPanzerfaust SMG team for +10 points.• Add Kübelwagen jeeps and 3-<strong>to</strong>n trucks for +5 pointsfor <strong>the</strong> pla<strong>to</strong>on.Some 2. Panzerdivision panzergrenadier battalions still had<strong>the</strong> older 8cm GW34 medium mortars. These continued <strong>to</strong>play an important role in support <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Panzergrenadiers.They can be used in mass <strong>to</strong> deliver disrupting barrages <strong>to</strong>halt enemy attacks or pin <strong>the</strong>m down before an assault.They can be used <strong>to</strong> drop smoke on <strong>the</strong> enemy <strong>to</strong> obscure<strong>the</strong>ir shooting. They can also be used individually in directfire <strong>to</strong> knock out guns and machine-guns protected byentrenchments.PanzergrenadierInfantry Gun Pla<strong>to</strong>onPla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section and2 Infantry Gun Sections with:4 7.5cm PaK50 140 points -4 7.5cm IG37 120 points -Command SMG teamUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierObserverRifle team8cm GW34mortar8cm GW34mortarKübelwagen3-<strong>to</strong>n truck3-<strong>to</strong>n truckMortar SectionObserver Rifle teamKübelwagenLeutnantLeutnantHQ SectionKübelwagenUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierObserverRifle team8cm GW34mortar8cm GW34mortarUnter<strong>of</strong>fizier8cm GW34 mortar3-<strong>to</strong>n truckMortar SectionKübelwagen3-<strong>to</strong>n truck3-<strong>to</strong>n truckMortar Section8cm GW34 mortar3-<strong>to</strong>n truckPanzergrenadier Mortar Pla<strong>to</strong>onCommandSMG teamUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierLeutnantLeutnantKübelwagen Observer KübelwagenRifle teamHQ SectionUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierPanzergrenadierkompanieHQ Section and1 Infantry Gun Section with:2 7.5cm PaK50 75 points -2 7.5cm IG37 65 points -Infantry gun3-<strong>to</strong>n truckInfantry gun3-<strong>to</strong>n truckOptions• Replace Command SMG team with CommandPanzerfaust SMG team for +10 points.• Add Kübelwagen Jeeps and 3-<strong>to</strong>n trucks for +5 pointsfor <strong>the</strong> pla<strong>to</strong>on.The Panzergrenadiers <strong>of</strong> 2. Panzerdivision were also supportedby some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> new light infantry guns. The 7.5cmleIG37 gun is a modernised gun on a light 3.7cm PaK36trail. The 7.5cm PaK50 is a more sophisticated gun basedInfantry gun3-<strong>to</strong>n truckInfantry gun sectionInfantry gun3-<strong>to</strong>n truckInfantry gun sectionPanzergrenadier Infantry Gun Pla<strong>to</strong>onon a cut down 7.5cm PaK40 on a light 5cm PaK38 trail. Ithas almost <strong>the</strong> same power as <strong>the</strong> 7.5cm PaK40, but uses alarge muzzle brake <strong>to</strong> prevent <strong>the</strong> weapon being ripped apartevery time it fires.25
PanzergrenadierAnti-aircraft Gun Pla<strong>to</strong>onPla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section with:3 2cm FlaK38 75 pointsOptions• Replace Command SMG team with CommandPanzerfaust SMG team for +10 points.• Add Kübelwagen Jeeps and 3-<strong>to</strong>n trucks for +5 pointsfor <strong>the</strong> pla<strong>to</strong>on.The mo<strong>to</strong>rised Panzergrenadiers need <strong>the</strong>ir own anti-aircraftweapons <strong>to</strong> protect <strong>the</strong>m from <strong>the</strong> Allied air forces. The 2cmFlaK38 gun has <strong>to</strong> be carried or <strong>to</strong>wed by a truck, but it canbe hidden with ease once dismounted.Usually <strong>the</strong> troops <strong>of</strong> a Panzer division can call on self-propelledguns, shortages meant both divisions were not able<strong>to</strong> get new anti-aircraft half-tracks before <strong>the</strong> launch <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Ardennes <strong>of</strong>fensive.Command SMG teamUnter<strong>of</strong>fizier2cm FlaK38 gun3-<strong>to</strong>n truckAnti-aircraftSection2cm FlaK38 gunLeutnantLeutnantHQ SectionUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierKübelwagen3-<strong>to</strong>n truckAnti-aircraft SectionUnter<strong>of</strong>fizier2cm FlaK38 gun3-<strong>to</strong>n truckAnti-aircraftSectionPanzergrenadier Anti-aircraft gun Pla<strong>to</strong>onRegimental Support Pla<strong>to</strong>onsPla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section with:2 15cm sIG33 145 points -OptionsPanzergrenadier HeavyInfantry Gun Pla<strong>to</strong>on• Replace Command SMG team with CommandPanzerfaust SMG team for +10 points.• Add Kübelwagen jeeps and Sd Kfz 11 half-tracks for+5 points for <strong>the</strong> pla<strong>to</strong>on.Heavy infantry guns can and will destroy any enemynest <strong>of</strong> resistance. Even bunkers are not immune. ThePanzergrenadiers use <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> reinforce <strong>the</strong> centre <strong>of</strong> gravity<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir attacks <strong>to</strong> quickly eliminate enemy weapons that areCommandSMG teamUnter<strong>of</strong>fizier15cm sIG33 gun Sd Kfz 11half-trackgun sectionLeutnantKübelwagenLeutnantHQ SectionObserverRifle teamKübelwagenUnter<strong>of</strong>fizier15cm sIG33 gun Sd Kfz 11half-trackgun sectionPanzergrenadier Heavy Infantry gun Pla<strong>to</strong>onholding <strong>the</strong>m up. They are <strong>of</strong>ten most effective fired directlyat dug-in guns, nests and bunkers.Panzergreandier ScoutPla<strong>to</strong>onPla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section with:3 Scout Squads 180 points 180 points2 Scout Squads 135 points 135 pointsCommand KübelwagenPanzerfaust MG teamKübelwagenPanzerfaust MG teamScout SquadEach Panzergrenadier Regiment had its own reconnaissancepla<strong>to</strong>ons <strong>to</strong> scout ahead <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> regiment’s battalions as <strong>the</strong>yadvance <strong>to</strong> attack <strong>the</strong> enemy. These scouts were mountedon light transport such as <strong>the</strong> Kübelwagen jeep, mo<strong>to</strong>rcyclesidecar combination or Kettenkrad half-track mo<strong>to</strong>rcycles.Panzergrenadier Scout Pla<strong>to</strong>ons use <strong>the</strong> Mo<strong>to</strong>rcycleReconnaissance rules on pages 196 and 197 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rulebookand are Reconnaissance Pla<strong>to</strong>ons while mounted.KübelwagenPanzerfaust MG teamScout SquadKübelwagenPanzerfaust MG teamScout SquadPanzergrenadier Scout Pla<strong>to</strong>on26
German Divisional SupportMotivation and Skill2. Panzerdivision and Panzer Lehr Division are vastly experienced divisions. They have beenfighting non-s<strong>to</strong>p since <strong>the</strong> Allied Normandy invasion, except for <strong>the</strong> odd brief respite for refitting.Divisional Support Pla<strong>to</strong>ons are rated Confident Veteran, unless o<strong>the</strong>rwise noted.Pla<strong>to</strong>onAssault Gun Pla<strong>to</strong>on3 StuG G 285 points2 StuG G 190 points3 StuG G (late) 295 points2 StuG G (late) 195 pointsOption• Replace one StuG G or StuG G (late) assault gunwith a StuH42 assault gun at no cost.38. Panzerjäger Abteilung <strong>of</strong> 2. Panzerdivision had 21 StuGG assault guns. 243. StuG-Brigade supported Panzer LehrDivision with 18 assault guns.Pla<strong>to</strong>onTank-hunter Pla<strong>to</strong>on3 Panzer IV/70 (V) - 450 points2 Panzer IV/70 (V) - 300 points3 Jagdpan<strong>the</strong>r - 705 points2 Jagdpan<strong>the</strong>r - 470 points130. Panzerjäger Lehr Abteilung with Panzer IV/70 (V)tank-hunters. 559. Schwere Panzerjäger Abteilung withJagdpan<strong>the</strong>r heavy tank-hunters was assigned <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> divisionfor <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fensive, but did not arrive at <strong>the</strong> division until 25December 1944.Unter<strong>of</strong>fizierAssault GunAssault GunUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierTank-hunterTank-hunterLeutnantLEUTNANTCommand Assault GunHQ Assault GunAssault Gun Pla<strong>to</strong>onLeutnantLEUTNANTReluctantConfidentFearlessCommand Tank-hunterHQ Tank-hunterTank-hunter Pla<strong>to</strong>onUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierAssault GunAssault GunUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierTank-hunterConscriptTrainedVeteranTank-hunterGerman Divisional SupportAnti-tank Gun Pla<strong>to</strong>onPla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section with:3 7.5cm PaK40 155 points 155 points2 7.5cm PaK40 105 points 105 pointsOptions• Replace Command SMG team with CommandPanzerfaust SMG team for +10 points.• Add Kübelwagen jeeps and 3-<strong>to</strong>n trucks for +5 pointsfor <strong>the</strong> pla<strong>to</strong>on.38. Panzerjäger Abteilung <strong>of</strong> 2. Panzerdivision also had a<strong>to</strong>wed company <strong>of</strong> 7.5cm PaK40 anti-tank guns. However,Panzer Lehr Division was very short on 7.5cm PaK40 antitankguns and only had three available in 130. PanzerjägerLehr Abteilung and none at all available in its PanzergrenadierRegiments.Command SMG teamUnter<strong>of</strong>fizier7.5cm PaK40 gun3-<strong>to</strong>n truckAnti-tankgun Section7.5cm PaK40 gunLeutnantLeutnantHQ SectionUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierKübelwagenAnti-tank gun SectionUnter<strong>of</strong>fizier7.5cm PaK40 gun3-<strong>to</strong>n truckAnti-tankgun Section3-<strong>to</strong>n truckAnti-tank gun Pla<strong>to</strong>on27
Gepanzerte PanzerpionierPla<strong>to</strong>onLeutnantLeutnantPla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section with:3 Pioneer Squads 265 points2 Pioneer Squads 190 pointsCommand PioneerMG teamSd Kfz 251/1half-trackHQ SectionPioneer Supply3-<strong>to</strong>n truckOptions• Replace Command Pioneer MG team with CommandPanzerfaust Pioneer SMG team for +10 points. If youdo this you may also replace all remaining PioneerMG teams in <strong>the</strong> pla<strong>to</strong>on with Panzerfaust PioneerMG teams for +10 points per team.• Add an additional Sd Kfz 251/7 half-track <strong>to</strong> eachsquad for +10 points per half-track.• Add Pioneer Supply 3-<strong>to</strong>n truck for +25 points orPioneer Supply Maultier for +30 points.The Panzerpionier Abteilung (armoured engineer battalion)<strong>of</strong> both 2. Panzerdivision and Panzer Lehr Division had anumber <strong>of</strong> armoured pioneers mounted in Sd Kfz 251/7half-tracks.In addition <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir armoured half-tracks <strong>the</strong>y are also heavyequipped <strong>to</strong> deal with any field fortifications <strong>the</strong>y may berequired <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>rm with flame-throwers and demolitioncharges.They can also lay minefields or set-up barbed wire barriers <strong>to</strong>aid a companies defensive positions.Unter<strong>of</strong>fizierPioneerMG teamPioneerMG teamSd Kfz 251/7half-trackSd Kfz 251/7half-trackPionier SquadPioneerMG teamUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierPioneerMG teamPionier SquadUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierPioneerMG teamPioneerMG teamSd Kfz 251/7half-trackPionier SquadGepanzerte pionier Pla<strong>to</strong>onSd Kfz 251/7half-trackSd Kfz 251/7half-trackSd Kfz 251/7half-trackGepanzerte Panzerpionier Pla<strong>to</strong>ons may use <strong>the</strong> MountedAssault special rule.You many replace up <strong>to</strong> one Pioneer MG team per PionierSquad with a Flame-thrower team at <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> gamebefore deployment.Panzerpionier Pla<strong>to</strong>onPla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section with:3 Pionier Squads 205 points2 Pionier Squads 145 pointsOptions• Replace Command Pioneer Rifle/MG team withCommand Panzerfaust Pioneer SMG team for+10 points. If you do this you may also replace allremaining Pioneer Rifle/MG teams in <strong>the</strong> pla<strong>to</strong>onwith Panzerfaust Pioneer Rifle/MG teams for +10points per team.• Add Pioneer Supply 3-<strong>to</strong>n truck for +25 points orPioneer Supply Maultier for +30 points.Not all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pioneers <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Panzerpionier Abteilung areequipped with armoured half-tracks, most travel in<strong>to</strong> battlein trucks. They <strong>the</strong>n dismount <strong>to</strong> fight.However, <strong>the</strong>y are just as effective against enemy field fortificationsby suppressing and knocking out bunkers, nestsand entrenchments with flame-throwers and demolitioncharges.Command PioneerRifle/MG teamUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierPioneerRifle/MG teamKfz 70 truckPioneerRifle/MG teamPionier SquadLeutnantLeutnantKfz 15 field carHQ SectionUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierPanzerpionier Pla<strong>to</strong>onPioneer Supply3-<strong>to</strong>n truckUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierPioneerRifle/MG teamPionier SquadKfz 70 truckPioneerRifle/MG teamPionier SquadPioneer Rifle/MG team Pioneer Rifle/MG team Kfz 70 truckYou many replace up <strong>to</strong> one Pioneer Rifle/MG team perPionier Squad with a Flame-thrower team at <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> game before deployment.28
Pla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section with:Pla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section with:VolksgrenadierSchützen Pla<strong>to</strong>on3 Grenadier Squads 220 points2 Grenadier Squads 155 pointsAdd:1 <strong>Panzers</strong>chreck team +25 pointsOptionVolksgrenadierSturm Pla<strong>to</strong>on2 Assault Squadsand 1 MG Squad270 points2 Assault Squads 200 pointsAdd:1 <strong>Panzers</strong>chreck team +25 pointsA Volksgrenadierkompanie (People’s Grenadier Company) ismade up <strong>of</strong> three pla<strong>to</strong>ons, two <strong>of</strong> which are Sturm (Assault)Pla<strong>to</strong>ons. Two squads are armed with StG44 (Sturmgewehr 44)assault rifles giving <strong>the</strong>m great firepower on <strong>the</strong> move, while<strong>the</strong> last section is armed with two MG42 machine-guns forsupporting fire. They are also equipped with Panzerfaust and<strong>Panzers</strong>chreck anti-tank weapons.• Replace Command Panzerfaust Rifle/MG team witha Command Panzerfaust SMG team at no cost.The third pla<strong>to</strong>on <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> company, <strong>the</strong> Schützen (Rifle)Pla<strong>to</strong>on, is armed with K98 rifles and MG42 machine-guns.They provide support and longer ranged firepower <strong>to</strong> backup<strong>the</strong> Sturm Pla<strong>to</strong>ons.Volksgrenadier Sturm Pla<strong>to</strong>ons and VolksgrenadierSchützen Pla<strong>to</strong>ons are from 26. Volksgrenadierdivision and arerated Confident Veteran.Confident VeteranLeutnant or oberfeldwebelLeutnant or OberfeldwebelCommand Panzerfaust Assault Rifle teamUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierPanzerfaustAssault RifleteamPanzerfaustAssault RifleteamAssault SquadPanzerfaust MG teamVolksgrenadier Sturm Pla<strong>to</strong>onLeutnant or oberfeldwebelLeutnant or oberfeldwebelCommand Panzerfaust Rifle/MG teamUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierPanzerfaust Rifle/MG teamPanzerfaust Rifle/MG teamGrenadier SquadPanzerfaust Rifle/MG teamHQ SectionUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierMG SquadHQ SectionUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierGrenadier SquadUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierPanzerfaustAssault Rifleteam<strong>Panzers</strong>chreck teamAssault SquadPanzerfaust MG teamPanzerfaustAssault Rifleteam<strong>Panzers</strong>chreck teamUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierPanzerfaust Rifle/MG teamPanzerfaust Rifle/MG teamGrenadier SquadPanzerfaust Rifle/MG teamVolksgrenadier Schützen Pla<strong>to</strong>onGerman Divisional Support29
Mo<strong>to</strong>rised Artillery BatteryPla<strong>to</strong>onHauptmannHauptmannHQ Section and two Gun Sections with:4 10.5cm leFH18/40 215 pointsHQ Section and one Gun Section with:2 10.5cm leFH18/40 120 pointsOptions• Add Kfz 68 radio truck, Kübelwagen jeeps andSd Kfz 11 half-tracks for +5 points for <strong>the</strong> battery.• Replace one Observer Rifle team and Kübelwagenjeep with Panzer IV OP for +15 points.The 10.5cm leFH18/40 howitzer is a lighter version thatmounts <strong>the</strong> standard howitzer on a light weight modifiedPaK40 trail. To save <strong>the</strong> trail from shaking apart a largemuzzle brake has been fitted <strong>to</strong> reduce its recoil.Because Panzer Lehr Division had no armour artillery availableduring <strong>the</strong> Ardennes <strong>of</strong>fensive <strong>the</strong>y allocated <strong>the</strong>ir newPanzer IV OP tanks <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wed artillery.Leutnant10.5cm leFH18/40 howitzerSd Kfz 11 half-track10.5cm leFH18/40 howitzerSd Kfz 11 half-trackLeutnant10.5cm leFH18/40 howitzerSd Kfz 11 half-track10.5cm leFH18/40 howitzerSd Kfz 11 half-trackMOTORISED Artillery BatteryPla<strong>to</strong>onMo<strong>to</strong>rised HeavyArtillery BatteryHauptmannHauptmannHQ Section andtwo Gun Sections with:4 15cm sFH18 310 points 310 points4 s10cm K18 395 points -HQ Section andone Gun Section with:2 15cm sFH18 160 points 160 points2 s10cm K18 205 points -Options• Add Kfz 68 radio truck, Kübelwagen jeeps and Kfz 7half-tracks for +5 points for <strong>the</strong> battery.• Replace one Observer Rifle team and Kübelwagenjeep with Panzer IV OP for +15 points.LeutnantGun or howitzerSd Kfz 7 (8t) half-trackGun or howitzerLeutnantGun or howitzerSd Kfz 7 (8t) half-trackGun or howitzerBoth 2. Panzerdivision and Panzer Lehr Division had <strong>the</strong>irheavy firepower is supplied by a heavy artillery battalionarmed with 15cm sFH18 howitzers and s10cm K18 guns.The 15cm howitzer provided <strong>the</strong> hard hitting power <strong>to</strong> dealwith enemy entrenchments and bunkers, while <strong>the</strong> longrange 10cm guns are ideal for knocking out <strong>the</strong> enemy’sartillery with counter battery fire.Sd Kfz 7 (8t) half-trackSd Kfz 7 (8t) half-trackMo<strong>to</strong>rised Heavy Artillery Battery30
Armoured Artillery BatteryPla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section and 2 Gun Sections with1 Panzer IV OP, ObserverRifle team, Sd Kfz 250 and:5 Wespe 400 points -4 Wespe 335 points -HQ Section and 1 Gun Section with1 Panzer IV OP and:3 Wespe 255 points -2 Wespe 190 points -Option• Add Sd Kfz 9 recovery half-track for +5 points.2. Panzerdivision had ten Wespe self-propelled 10.5cm howitzersorganised in<strong>to</strong> two batteries. These were all allocated<strong>to</strong> Kampfgruppe Böhm, which led <strong>the</strong> division’s drive during<strong>the</strong> Ardennes <strong>of</strong>fensive. However, Panzer Lehr Division didnot have any self-propelled artillery available for <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fensiveand relied on <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>to</strong>wed artillery.Armoured Heavy ArtilleryBatteryPla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section and 2 Gun Sections with1 Panzer IV OP, ObserverRifle team, Sd Kfz 250 and:6 Hummel 580 points -4 Hummel 425 points -Panzer IV OPSd Kfz 9recovery half-trackObserverRifle teamArmoured Artillery BatterySdKfz 250Sd Kfz 9recovery half-trackGerman Divisional SupportHQ Section and 1 Gun Section with1 Panzer IV OP and:3 Hummel 320 points -2 Hummel 230 points -Panzer IV OPObserverRifle teamSdKfz 250Option• Add Sd Kfz 9 recovery half-track for +5 points.HummelHummelHummelHummelAll six Hummel self-propelled 15cm heavy howitzers <strong>of</strong>2. Panzerdivision allocated <strong>to</strong> Kampfgruppe Böhm.HummelHummelArmoured Heavy Artillery Battery31
Panzer Rocket LauncherBatteryPla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section andtwo Launcher Sections with:6 15cm NW41 200 points -4 15cm NW41 145 points -HQ Section andone Launcher Section with:3 15cm NW41 105 points -2 15cm NW41 75 points -Option• Add Kübelwagen jeep and Sd Kfz 11 half-tracks+5 points for <strong>the</strong> battery.III. Abteilung/Panzer Artillery-regiment 74 (2. Panzerdivision)contained <strong>the</strong> regiments heavy guns, and unusually alsohad <strong>the</strong> regiment’s 10 th Battery armed with 15cm NW41Nebelwerfer rocket launchers. This battalion was part <strong>of</strong>Kampfgruppe Holtmeyer durng <strong>the</strong> Ardennes <strong>of</strong>fensive.Command SMG team15cm NW41 rocket launcher15cm NW41 rocket launcher15cm NW41 rocket launcherKübelwagen15cm NW41 rocket launcher15cm NW41 rocket launcher15cm NW41 rocket launcherPanzer Rocket Launcher BatteryVolks Heavy Artillery BatteryHAUPTMANNPla<strong>to</strong>onHAUPTMANNHQ Section andtwo Gun Sections with:6 15cm sFH18 290 points 290 points6 12.2cm FH396(r) 190 points -4 12.8cm K81 360 points -Command SMG teamLEUTNANTStaff teamHQ SectionHorse-drawn wagonLEUTNANTHQ Section and one Gun Section with:3 15cm sFH18 155 points 155 points3 12.2cm FH396(r) 105 points -2 12.8cm K81 185 points -Options• Add horse-drawn wagon and limbers for +5 pointsfor <strong>the</strong> battery.• Replace all horse-drawn wagons and limbers withRSO trac<strong>to</strong>rs in a 12.8cm K81 gun armed battery atno cost.Observer Rifle teamGun or howitzerHorse-drawn limberGun or howitzerHorse-drawn limberObserver Rifle teamGun or howitzerHorse-drawn limberGun or howitzerHorse-drawn limberA Volks Heavy ArtilleryBattery is rated ReluctantTrained.ReluctantTrainedGun or howitzerGun or howitzerThe 5 th and 6 th Batteries <strong>of</strong> Volks-Artillerie-Korps supportedKampfgruppe Holtmeyer <strong>of</strong> 2. Panzerdivision. These two batterieswere armed with 15cm sFH18 howitzers. The sameKampfgruppe was also supported by 1124. Artillerie Batterie,one <strong>of</strong> a number <strong>of</strong> independent army artillery batteriesarmed with <strong>the</strong> new 12.8cm K81 long-range heavy guns.Horse-drawn limberHorse-drawn limberGUN SECTIONGUN SECTIONVolks Heavy Artillery Battery32
Volks Rocket Launcher BatteryPla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section and two Launcher Sections with:6 15cm NW41 135 points6 21cm NW42 160 points6 30cm NW42 195 pointsHQ Section and one Launcher Section with:3 15cm NW41 70 points3 21cm NW42 85 points3 30cm NW42 100 pointsOption• Add Kübelwagen jeep and Sd Kfz 11 half-tracks+5 points for <strong>the</strong> battery.A Volks Rocket LauncherBattery is rated ReluctantTrained.ReluctantTrainedSuper-heavy RocketsThe massive 30cm rockets used by <strong>the</strong> NW42 rocket launchersare slow <strong>to</strong> load and <strong>the</strong>refore <strong>the</strong> full battery is not alwaysavailable <strong>to</strong> fire on command. A Volks Rocket LauncherBattery equipped with 30cm NW42 rocket launchers uses <strong>the</strong>Super-heavy Rockets special rule.At <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> game, place a Full Salvo marker witha pla<strong>to</strong>on equipped with 30cm NW42 Super-heavyRockets. Remove this marker after firing an ArtilleryBombardment.If a pla<strong>to</strong>on with Super-heavy Rockets does not have a FullSalvo marker when it fires an Artillery Bombardment, rolla Skill Test for each Rocket Launcher able <strong>to</strong> fire in <strong>the</strong>Bombardment. Only those that pass <strong>the</strong> Skill Test can fireas part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bombardment.Place a Full Salvo marker on a pla<strong>to</strong>on with Super-heavyRockets at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> any Shooting Step in which everyRocket Launcher in <strong>the</strong> pla<strong>to</strong>on was able <strong>to</strong> fire an ArtilleryBombardment, but none did so.Command SMG teamRocket launcherRocket launcherRocket launcherKübelwagenRocket launcherRocket launcherRocket launcherVolks Rocket Launcher Battery15. Volks-Werfer Brigade (15 th People’s Rocket LauncherBrigade) supported XLVII Panzerkorps during <strong>the</strong> Ardennes<strong>of</strong>fensive. A brigade consisted <strong>of</strong> two regiments with six batteries<strong>of</strong> 15cm NW41 rocket launchers and three heavy batteries<strong>of</strong> ei<strong>the</strong>r 21cm NW42 or 30cm NW42 rocket launchers,depending on if it was <strong>the</strong> first or second battalion.The biggest advantage <strong>of</strong> Nebelwerfer rocket launchers is <strong>the</strong>irability <strong>to</strong> saturate a wide area quickly with high-explosiverounds. They are ideal for pinning down an enemy positionwhile attacking forces approach for <strong>the</strong> assault.German Divisional SupportSelf-propelled Anti-aircraftGun Pla<strong>to</strong>onPla<strong>to</strong>on3 Armoured Sd Kfz 10/5 120 points -2 Armoured Sd Kfz 10/5 80 points -3 Armoured Sd Kfz 7/1(Quad 2cm) 150 points -2 Armoured Sd Kfz 7/1(Quad 2cm) 100 points -LeutnantLeutnantCommand Anti-aircraft gunAnti-aircraft SectionUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierAnti-aircraft gunAnti-aircraft gunAA sectionAA sectionAnti-aircraft GUN Pla<strong>to</strong>on33
Anti-aircraft Gun Pla<strong>to</strong>onPla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section with:3 3.7cm FlaK43 - 100 points2 3.7cm FlaK43 - 70 pointsLeutnantLeutnantCommand SMG team KübelwagenHQ Section3 2cm FlaK38 75 points 75 points2 2cm FlaK38 50 points 50 pointsUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierUnter<strong>of</strong>fizierOption• Add Kübelwagen jeeps and 3-<strong>to</strong>n trucks for +5 pointsfor <strong>the</strong> pla<strong>to</strong>on.Self-propelled anti-aircraft guns were in short supply while2. Panzerdivision and Panzer Lehr Division were refitting for<strong>the</strong> Ardennes <strong>of</strong>fensive so <strong>to</strong>w guns provided <strong>the</strong> main antiaircraftprotection during <strong>the</strong> campaign. For 2. Panzerdivisionthis was supplied by just <strong>the</strong> light 2cm FlaK38 gun, whilePanzer Lehr Division also had some medium 3.7cm FlaK43guns that packed a little more punch.Anti-aircraft gun3-<strong>to</strong>n truckAnti-aircraftSectionAnti-aircraft gunUnter<strong>of</strong>fizier3-<strong>to</strong>n truckAnti-aircraft SectionAnti-aircraft gun3-<strong>to</strong>n truckAnti-aircraftSectionAnti-aircraft gun Pla<strong>to</strong>onPla<strong>to</strong>onHeavy Anti-aircraftGun Pla<strong>to</strong>onHQ Section with:2 AA Sections 165 points1 AA Section 85 pointsOption• Model 8.8cm FlaK36 anti-aircraft guns with 8 ormore crew and increase <strong>the</strong>ir ROF <strong>to</strong> 3 for +10 pointsper gun.The anti-aircraft battalion <strong>of</strong> each panzer divisions containedtwo companies <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> excellent 8.8cm FlaK36 anti-aircraftgun. The famous ‘88’ was <strong>of</strong>ten used <strong>to</strong> smash enemy tanksas well as taking out aircraft.AA sectionAA sectionHEAVY Anti-aircraft GUN Pla<strong>to</strong>onAir SupportSporadic Air SupportMe 262 A2a SturmvogelFW 190F105 points100 pointsLeutnantLeutnantAircraftFlightHigh-speed JetGround attacks by Me 262 A2a aircraft cannot be interceptedusing <strong>the</strong> Fighter Interception rule on page 179 <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> rulebook.The Luftwaffe (German Air Force) was not idle over <strong>the</strong> skies<strong>of</strong> Belgium, with fighter-bombers attacking targets <strong>of</strong> opportunity.However, it was also <strong>the</strong> debut <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world’s firs<strong>to</strong>perational jet fighter: <strong>the</strong> Me 262. The ground attack version,<strong>the</strong> Me 262 A2a Sturmvogel (S<strong>to</strong>rm Bird), was armed with two30mm cannons and a pair <strong>of</strong> 250kg (550lb) bombs. Its excellentspeed <strong>of</strong> 540mph (870km/h) meant that it could outrunany Allied fighter, making it near impossible <strong>to</strong> catch.Air SupportOperation BodenplatteOperation Bodenplatte (Baseplate) was <strong>to</strong> be launched on16 December 1944. Its mission was <strong>to</strong> cripple Allied airsupport, giving <strong>the</strong> ground units <strong>of</strong> Wacht Am Rhein afighting chance. However, <strong>the</strong> wea<strong>the</strong>r refused <strong>to</strong> co-operateand <strong>the</strong> operation wasn’t launched until 1 January 1945.Over 900 aircraft <strong>to</strong>ok <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> skies and struck <strong>the</strong> Allies’ airbases in Belgium and Holland and destroyed somewherebetween 300 and 400 Allied aircraft. This success, however,came at <strong>the</strong> steep price <strong>of</strong> over 300 German aircraft.34
GERMAN ARSENALTank teamsArmourName Mobility Front Side Top Equipment and NotesWeapon Range ROF Anti-tank FirepowerTanksPanzer IV J Standard Tank 6 3 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, Protected ammo, Schürzen.7.5cm KwK40 gun 32”/80cm 2 11 3+ Slow traverse.Pan<strong>the</strong>r G Standard Tank 10 5 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, Wide tracks.7.5cm KwK42 gun 32”/80cm 2 14 3+Tank HuntersJagdpan<strong>the</strong>r Standard Tank 10 5 1 Hull MG.8.8cm PaK43 gun 40”/100cm 2 16 3+ Hull mounted.Panzer IV/70 (V) Slow Tank 9 3 1 Hull MG, Overloaded, Schürzen.7.5cm PaK42 gun 32”/80cm 2 14 3+ Hull mounted.German ArsenalAssault GunsStuG G or StuG IV Standard Tank 7 3 1 Hull MG, Protected ammo, Schürzen.7.5cm StuK40 gun 32”/80cm 2 11 3+ Hull mounted.StuG G (late) Standard Tank 7 3 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, Protected ammo, Schürzen.7.5cm StuK40 gun 32”/80cm 2 11 3+ Hull mounted.StuH42 Standard Tank 7 3 1 Hull MG, Protected ammo, Schürzen.10.5cm StuH42 gun 32”/80cm 2 10 2+ Hull mounted, Breakthrough gun, Smoke.Infantry Guns (SP)Sd Kfz 250/7 D (8cm) Half-tracked 1 0 0 AA MG.8cm GW34 mortar 24”/60cm 2 2 3+ Hull mounted, Portee, Smoke, Minimum range 8”/20cm.Firing bombardments 40”/100cm - 2 6 Smoke bombardment.Sd Kfz 251/2 D (8cm) Half-tracked 1 0 0 AA MG.8cm GW34 mortar 24”/60cm 2 2 3+ Hull mounted, Portee, Smoke, Minimum range 8”/20cm.Firing bombardments 40”/100cm - 2 6 Smoke bombardment.Sd Kfz 250/8 D (7.5cm) Half-tracked 1 0 0 Co-ax MG.7.5cm KwK37 gun 24”/60cm 2 9 3+ Hull mounted.Sd Kfz 251/9 D (7.5cm) Half-tracked 1 0 0 Co-ax MG.7.5cm KwK37 gun 24”/60cm 2 9 3+ Hull mounted.Grille K Standard Tank 0 0 0 AA MG.15cm sIG33 gun 16”/40cm 1 13 1+ Bunker buster, Hull mounted.Firing bombardments 56”/140cm - 4 2+Sd Kfz 251/16 D (Flamm) Half-tracked 1 0 0 Hull MG.Two 1.4cm Flammenwerfer 4”/10cm 3 (each) - 6 Side mounted, Flame-thrower.Sd Kfz 233 (7.5cm) Jeep 2 0 0 AA MG.7.5cm KwK37 gun 24”/60cm 2 9 3+ Hull mounted.Sd Kfz 234/3 (7.5cm) Jeep 3 0 0 Co-ax MG.7.5cm KwK37 gun 24”/60cm 2 9 3+ Hull mounted.Artillery (SP)Wespe Standard Tank 1 1 0 AA MG, Protected ammo.10.5cm leFH18M howitzer 24”/60cm 1 10 2+ Breakthrough gun, Hull mounted, Smoke.Firing bombardments 72”/80cm - 4 4+ Smoke bombardment.Hummel Standard Tank 1 1 0 AA MG, Protected ammo.15cm sFH18 howitzer 24”/60cm 1 13 1+ Bunker buster, Hull mounted, Smoke.Firing bombardments 80”/200cm - 5 2+ Smoke bombardment.Panzer IV J OP Standard Tank 6 3 1 Hull MG, Protected ammo, Schürzen.7.5cm KwK40 gun 32”/80cm 1 11 3+ Slow traverse.35
Anti-aircraftFlakpanzer 38(t) (2cm) Standard Tank 0 0 02cm FlaK38 gun 16”/40cm 4 5 5+ Anti-aircraft.Möbelwagen (3.7cm) Standard Tank 0 0 03.7cm FlaK43 gun 24”/60cm 4 6 4+ Anti-aircraft.Wirbelwind (Quad 2cm) Standard Tank 3 1 0 Hull MG.2cm FlaK38 (V) gun 16”/40cm 6 5 5+ Anti-aircraft.Armoured Sd Kfz 10/5 (2cm) Half-tracked 0 0 02cm FlaK38 gun 16”/40cm 4 5 5+ Anti-aircraft.Armoured Sd Kfz 7/1 (Quad 2cm) Half-tracked 0 0 02cm FlaK38 (V) gun 16”/40cm 6 5 5+ Anti-aircraft.Sd Kfz 251/21 D (Triple 15mm) Half-tracked 1 0 0MG151/15 gun 16”/40cm 6 4 5+ Anti-aircraft.ReconnaissanceSd Kfz 250 (Recce) Half-tracked 1 0 0 Hull MG, AA MG, Recce.Sd Kfz 250/9 (2cm) Half-tracked 1 0 0 Co-ax MG, Recce.2cm KwK38 gun 16”/40cm 3 5 5+ Self-defence anti-aircraft.Sd Kfz 234/1 (2cm) Jeep 3 0 0 Co-ax MG, Recce.2cm KwK38 gun 16”/40cm 3 5 5+ Self-defence anti-aircraft.Sd Kfz 234/2 Puma Jeep 3 0 0 Co-ax MG, Recce.5cm KwK39 gun 24”/60cm 2 9 4+Sd Kfz 231 (8-rad) Jeep 2 0 0 Co-ax MG, Recce.2cm KwK38 gun 16”/40cm 3 5 5+Mo<strong>to</strong>rcycle ReconnaissanceKübelwagen Panzerfaust MG team Jeep - - - Mo<strong>to</strong>rcycle reconnaissance,Dismount as Panzerfaust MG team.When firing as MG 16”/40cm 3 2 6 Hull mounted, Vehicle MG.When firing as Panzerfaust 4”/10cm 1 12 5+ Awkward layout.Kübelwagen Panzerfaust SMG team Jeep - - - Mo<strong>to</strong>rcycle reconnaissance,Dismount as Panzerfaust SMG team.When firing as SMG 4”/10cm 3 1 6 Hull mounted, Vehicle MG.When firing as Panzerfaust 4”/10cm 1 12 5+ Awkward layout.Kübelwagen Tank-hunter team Jeep - - - Mo<strong>to</strong>rcycle reconnaissance,Dismount as Tank-hunter team.<strong>Panzers</strong>chreck 8”/20cm 1 11 5+ Awkward layout.Schwimmwagen Panzerfaust MG team Jeep - - - Mo<strong>to</strong>rcycle reconnaissance, Amphibious,Dismount as Panzerfaust MG team.When firing as MG 16”/40cm 3 2 6 Hull mounted, Vehicle MG.When firing as Panzerfaust 4”/10cm 1 12 5+ Awkward layout.Schwimmwagen Panzerfaust SMG team Jeep - - - Mo<strong>to</strong>rcycle reconnaissance, Amphibious,Dismount as Panzerfaust SMG team.When firing as SMG 4”/10cm 3 1 6 Hull mounted, Vehicle MG.When firing as Panzerfaust 4”/10cm 1 12 5+ Awkward layout.Schwimmwagen Tank-hunter team Jeep - - - Mo<strong>to</strong>rcycle reconnaissance, Amphibious,Dismount as Tank-hunter team.<strong>Panzers</strong>chreck 8”/20cm 1 11 5+ Awkward layout.Vehicle Machine-gunsVehicle MG 16”/40cm 3 2 6 ROF 1 if o<strong>the</strong>r weapons fire.36
Gun teamsWeapon Mobility Range ROF Anti-tank Firepower NotesMG42 HMG Man-packed 24”/60cm 6 2 6 ROF 3 when pinned down or moving.8cm GW34 mortar Man-packed 24”/60cm 2 2 3+ Smoke, Minimum range 8”/20cm.Firing bombardments 40”/100cm - 2 6 Smoke bombardment.12cm sGW43 mortar Light 56”/140cm - 3 3+7.5cm IG37 gun Light 16”/40cm 2 9 3+ Gun shield, Smoke.Firing bombardments 56”/140cm - 3 67.5cm PaK50 gun Medium 24”/60cm 2 10 3+ Gun shield.Firing bombardments 64”/160cm - 3 615cm sIG33 gun Heavy 16”/40cm 1 13 1+ Bunker buster, Gun shield.Firing bombardments 56”/140cm - 4 2+2cm Flak38 gun Light 16”/40cm 4 5 5+ Gun shield, Anti-aircraft, Turntable.3.7cm Flak43 gun Immobile 24”/60cm 4 6 4+ Gun shield, Anti-aircraft, Turntable.8.8cm FlaK36 gun Immobile 40”/100cm 2 13 3+ Gun shield, Heavy anti-aircraft, Turntable.Firing bombardments 88”/220cm - 3 5+7.5cm PaK40 gun Medium 32”/80cm 2 12 3+ Gun shield.s10cm K18 gun Immobile 32”/80cm 1 15 2+Firing bombardments 96”/240cm - 4 4+10.5cm leFH18/40 howitzer Heavy 24”/60cm 1 10 2+ Breakthrough gun, Gun shield, Smoke.Firing bombardments 72”/180cm - 4 4+ Smoke bombardment.12.2cm FH396(r) howitzer Immobile 24”/60cm 1 8 2+ Breakthrough gun, Gun shield.Firing bombardments 80”/200cm - 4 3+12.8cm K81 gun Immobile 48”/120cm 1 17 2+ Breakthrough gun.Firing bombardments 104”/260cm - 4 3+15cm sFH18 gun Immobile 24”/60cm 1 13 1+ Bunker buster, Smoke.Firing bombardments 80”/200cm - 5 2+ Smoke bombardment.15cm NW41 rocket launcher Light 64”/160cm - 3 4+ Rocket launcher, Smoke bombardment.21cm NW42 rocket launcher Light 72”/180cm - 3 3+ Rocket launcher.30cm NW42 rocket launcher Light 56”/140cm - 3 1+ Rocket launcher, Super-heavy rockets.German ArsenalArmourVehicle Mobility Front Side Top Equipment and NotesWeapon Range ROF Anti-tank FirepowerTrucksKübelwagen jeep, Captured Jeep Jeep - - -Steyr Kfz 70, Opel Blitz 3-<strong>to</strong>n, or Captured GMC 2½ truck Wheeled - - -Kfz 68 Radio truck Wheeled - - -Opel Maultier Half-tracked - - -Trac<strong>to</strong>rsSd Kfz 7 or Sd Kfz 11 half-track Half-tracked - - -RSO Slow Tank - - -Armoured Personnel CarriersSd Kfz 250 half-track Half-tracked 1 0 0 Hull MG, Passenger-fired AA MG.Sd Kfz 251/1 D half-track Half-tracked 1 0 0 Hull MG, Passenger-fired AA MG.Sd Kfz 251/1 D (HMG) half-track Half-tracked 1 0 0 Hull MG, HMG carrier, Passenger-firedAA MG.Sd Kfz 251/7 D (Pioneer) half-track Half-tracked 1 0 0 Hull MG, Passenger-fired AA MG,Assault bridge.Captured M3 Half-track Half-tracked 1 0 0 Passenger-fired AA MG.Recovery VehiclesTransport teamsSd Kfz 9 half-track Half-tracked - - - Recovery vehicle.Bergepanzer III recovery vehicle Standard Tank 5 3 0 AA MG, Recovery vehicle.Bergepan<strong>the</strong>r recovery vehicle Standard Tank 10 5 0 AA MG, Recovery vehicle, Wide tracks.37
Team Range ROF Anti-tank Firepower NotesRifle team 16”/40cm 1 2 6Rifle/MG team 16”/40cm 2 2 6MG team 16”/40cm 3 2 6 ROF 2 when pinned down.SMG team 4”/10cm 3 1 6 Full ROF when moving.Assault Rifle team 8”/20cm 3 1 6 Full ROF when moving.Flame-thrower team 4”/10cm 2 - 6 Flame-thrower.<strong>Panzers</strong>chreck team 8”/20cm 2 11 5+ Tank assault 5.Tank-hunter team 8”/20cm 1 11 5+ Tank assault 5.Staff team 16”/40cm 1 2 6 Moves as a Heavy Gun team.Additional Training and EquipmentPanzerfaust 4”/10cm 1 12 5+ Tank Assault 6, Cannot shoot in <strong>the</strong> Shooting Step if moved in <strong>the</strong>Movement Step.Pioneer teams are rated as Tank Assault 4.Infantry TeamsAircraftAircraft Weapon To Hit Anti-tank Firepower NotesMe 262 A2a Sturmvogel Cannon 3+ 9 5+ High-speed Jet.Bombs 4+ 5 2+FW 190F Cannon 3+ 7 5+Bombs 4+ 5 1+38