Here follows the official AAR for 1 CAN PARA for Oklahoma D-Day 2009
MINISCENARIO #1
Stalingrad
The CEF formed the majority of Allied strength for this scenario. US AB were switched to the Germans.
1 CAN PARA deployed in the middle of the battlefield. The 3ID and 9 BRIT PARA deployed on the right flank. US troops deployed on the left flank.
At game on, 1 CAN PARA charged on the center, and secured the middle flag. CEF forces on the right flank had a very long run to their AOR, and by the time they got there, they encountered OPFOR entrenched in defensive positions. The planned thrust on the right bogged down and took heavy casualties. On the left flank, US forces advanced to a point just in line with the center flag and dug in.
During the course of battle, CEF encountered significant difficulty on the right flank. Despite numerous calls to hold a defensive line within Caen itself, elements continually attacked through light cover against entrenched and concealed enemy positions, sustaining high casualties. 9 BRIT PARA was successful at setting up a defensive position which prevented the enemy from flanking and approaching from the rear.
Several factors saw a very high attrition rate amongst Allied forces: the nature of the battleground led to sustained exchange of intense fire that ate up ammo; there was resupply options for Allied forces on the field; and, a great deal of confusion amongst game staff led to the belief that a number of reinsertions (starting at approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes in) were the "last" causing Allied players to leave the field believing the battle was all but over.
German players were eventually able to overwhelm the center and right flank and collapse the Allied lines. With ever-dwindling numbers, the Allies were unable to mount any sort of response and the Germans were eventually able to take the third flag and then set up a strong defensive line that was basically firing into the Allied Dead Zone.
Given the scoring situation (it was impossible to win the game), the dangers (firing into the DZ), and the impact on our players (heat exhaustion, paint budgets, etc), the decision was made to withdraw CEF forces early.
Results: Allied Defeat
MINISCENARIO #2
Bridges & Bangalores
This scenario called for Allied Forces to deploy one of two "satchel charges" on each of the bridges at La Fiere and Cherbourg. If and when this was accomplished, the Allies had to take & hold Ste Mere-Eglise.
CEF was deployed on the left flank and tasked with securing and destroying Cherbourg Bridge.
At game on, CEF made a strong charge up the west ridge. Immediately upon cresting the cliff, they began taking friendly fire from the rear while simultaneously engaging enemy to the front. Despite taking heavy losses, CEF were able to move forward and secure a foothold on the south end of the bridge. Allied Forces in the valley meanwhile secured and destroyed the much closer and more accessible La Fiere Bridge.
A short time later, CEF overwhelmed the defenders at Cherbourg bridge and destroyed it. They then continued their advance along the ridge. Despite fierce resistance from OPFOR troops, CEF routed enemy forces from the western ridge and established a firebase overlooking SME. Elements of CEF then assisted with the assault on SME while the main force continued to advance on the left flank.
Game coordinators restarted the game twice to allow the Germans a chance, but it was obvious that the game was a complete victory for the Allies well prior to game end.
Result: Decisive Allied Victory
MINISCENARIO #3
V2 Rocket
This scenario required players to locate a single prop located on the field of battle. This prop was an ammunition canister with an electronic timer, code system, and electrical hook-up. Once in possession of the prop, the team could hook it up to a V2 Rocket Truck. After being hooked up, the prop would begin a 5 minute count down. Each team had three "code masters" who could punch in a code into the prop prior to the countdown running out. This would start a new 5 minute countdown. If the team was able to hold the position and defend the prop until then end of the countdown, they would be victorious.
Prior to game on, CEF commanders had to negotiate strongly in order to have a code master assigned to them. CEF then proceeded on a very long trek on the right flank of the battlefield. While this kept them out of the fight for an extended period, it ensured that no OPFOR had made it around the flank.
German forces located the prop first. However, Allied forces did a good job of keeping them back from the V2 Rocket. Eventually, the Allies were able to get possession of the prop. However, the Germans prevented them from getting to the V2 Rocket. Allied units were able to engage the flanks effectively, but were so busy doing so that they failed to engage the objective. 9 BRIT PARA and CEF made a bold charge on the objective, taking & holding it in force. This allowed a code master to engage the prop and led directly to an Allied victory.
Result: Allied Victory
MINISCENARIO #4
Airport Assault
CEF Forces were seconded to the German Army for this scenario.
German Forces deployed in the vicinity of the Airfield Fuel Tank flag while Allies deployed in the vicinity of the Causeway flag. Due to a "shotgun start" by the game coordinators, there was only CEF and a small force of German players in position at game on. We were able stem the Allied charge long enough for the rest of the Germans to arrive on the scene, but suffered high casualties and the Allies were able to occupy some prime defensive positions.
Allied forces continued to press along the west side of the Airfield, both in the forest and along the defensive works. It became obvious that their positions afforded them a decisive tactical advantage over the battlefield. As a result, it was deemed necessary to assault and take control of the defensive works at the northwest corner of the airfield. CEF made an epic charge into this heavily defended area. Despite very heavy casualties, CEF was able to clear the opposition all the way to the northwest tower. German forces quickly capitalized on this and filled in the trenches, berms, and tower. This area was never surrendered for the remainder of the game and was instrumental in our ability to pressure the Allied flag.
US AB forces made repeated advances in the west woods which were very effective. CEF made a sweeping advance through the woods which was able to blunt the Allied advance. However, the Allies were still making forays from the woods immediately adjacent to the flag in order to keep pressure on it. As a result, CEF shifted within the woods to interdict this movement. A number of CEF troopers were able to belly-crawl a considerable distance along the road in order to place themselves between the opposition and the flag. This successes in preventing at least one sustained assault by Allied forces attempting a flag push, who were surprised to find CEF troopers at their feet as they emerged from the trees into the bush.
Results: German (CEF) Victory
MINISCENARIO #5
Night Game
Allies defended Colleville for this scenario. Lights were in place in Colleville, but were extinguished at game on in favour of numerous pyrotechnics and a few small lights such as in the Church.
CEF manned the main line of defence, occupying the Church, the new "Guillotine" (AKA "Shopping Mall") structure, and a mass of construction materials on the expected OPFOR main line of advance.
At game on, 1 CAN PARA immediately started taking a large amount of friendly fire from poorly disciplined Allied units. Unfortunately, the casualties caused by this, along with the suppression aspect, allowed German forces to advance on our forward-most position and over-run it.
Luckily other 1 CAN PARA elements were faring better. While CEF troops in the bottom of the Church were over-run, we continued to hold the top floor until late in the game. The Guillotine feature proved paramount to the defence of the northern approach. It also allowed excellent sight-lines into the lower level of the Church, especially with a light being located there, and allowed CEF personnel to prevent the Chruch from being overrun.
Eventually, German troops were able to push into the lower levels of the Guillotine through sheer force of numbers. However, elements of 1 CAN PARA held the upper floors, and fought room to room te reclaim the lower levels, which prevented the Germans from raining down paint on exposed defenders in Colleville.
Other CEF troops were tasked with trying to engage the eastern flank. Unfortunately, every time the CEF took ground outside of Colleville, they experienced heavy friendly fire from American units inside the berms. Eventually, CEF gave up and took up a defensive position on the east berms. From this position, they were able to snipe at Germans attempting to advance from the Church. Towards the end of the game, CEF forces drove off a heavy enemy push on the eastern side.
Result: Allied Victory
OK D-DAY MAIN EVENT
Saturday
Multiple AORs
Multiple Objectives
NOTE: All times are approximate. My field notebook did not survive the day, and much of the ink has become illegible.
0830 - all 6AB personnel in place at designated drop zone south and east of Caen. Small group of German personnel (approx 5) on the ridge above us.
0900 - 6 AB assaults up the ridge line, and clears out German resistance. Reach first phase line at the top of the ridge in about 10 minutes. Only two casualties sustained. Casualties report to Caen DZ. GOD reports 101st delayed off start due to poor referee coordination on timings.
0910 - 6 AB begins assault toward Caen, encountering only light resistance. 101st reported behind schedule.
0920 - 6 AB moves through the tree line to the east of Caen, between the city and the boundary road, encountering only light resistance. Pushes through the crossroads, and sweeps into the trees to the west of Sword Beach. Minimal casualties. TOC advises that Sword Beach AB DZ now open.
0925 - 6 AB assaults Sword Beach from the west. Southern push is repulsed, but northern pus makes good progress. Some elements of the 101st now moving through our AO.
0935 - 6 AB begins clearing the trenches on top of Sword Beach. Flag is flipped by 1 CAN PARA at 0938. All resistance at Sword ends at approximately 0945. New rally point is designated as Sword Beach. 6 AB is at approximately 60% strength. Re-supply point established at Sword Beach.
0945 - Assault on Pegasus Bridge begins from the Sword Beach. Elements of the 101st and 82nd operating to our west. German resistance is minimal. Effective use of tank support suppresses key German bunkers on the north side of the ravine. 9 Brit Para conducts interdiction to the west of the main assault. TOC advises that DZ 4 is now open following 82nd PF assault in that area.
1000 - Pegasus Bridge is secured. New Rally point is set at Pegasus Bridge. Referees advise that DZ4 has been openned to German use, to "prevent early Allied victory".
1030 - Points scored for Pegasus Bridge. German forces spotted to the north of Pegasus Bridge, apparently massing to assault the objective. These forces are suppressed and repulsed. 9 BRIT PARA is released to take possession of Caen from the 101st AB.
1040 - German forces advancing again from the north, and from the east on Pegasus Bridge. 9 BRIT PARA advises that Caen is under German control, and there are no 101st AB personnel in the area. TOC is notified. Fighting is growing in intensity. 6 AB strength is approximately 60%.
1050 - Strong German forces advance on Pegasus Bridge from the south while additional forces close from the east, through the minefield. Referee on site unable to control the situation. Pegasus Bridge falls to the Germans. New rally point set at Sword Beach.
1100 - German assault carries on toward Sword Beach. Initial attack is repulsed. Points scored for Sword Beach. Remnants of 6 AB and 3 ID fight resist as long as possible, but are eventually overrun. Supply point moved to Caen DZ. Rally point set for Caen.
1115 - 9 BRIT PARA reports Caen in Allied hands, but notes that first scoring went to the Germans. All CEF forces move to Caen following re-insertion, relieving mixed elements of the 101st AB. Perimeter established. CEF tanks move into place to provide additional re-supply. Scouts deployed. Minimal enemy contact.
1300 - All remaining points for Caen scored to the Allies. CEF forces are re-supplied and rested. 6 AB at 100% strength. CEF moves out of Caen in force and proceeds north to Old Pond, and from there turns east toward DZ 4 and Colleville. CEF forces are halted enroute when a ceasefire is called in the vicinity of Colleville, delaying the advance by approximately ten minutes.
1315 - CEF forces arrive in strength in the vicinity of DZ 4 and begin movement through the tree line west of Colleville, toward Brecourt Manor, encountering determined German resistance. Assault is stopped twice by ceasefires in the vicinity of Colleville. Referees move CEF forces back to our initial start line at DZ 4 before play resumes. Note Germans moving to reinforce the area heavily during the ceasefire.
1325 - CEF forces complete a sweep of the tree line and assault into Brecourt Manor. The attack is repulsed when German reinforced re-inserting from the Airfield DZ arrive on scene. Remaining forces execute a fighting withdrawal toward DZ 4, delaying the German advance until new forces can be deployed to secure the area.
1335 - CEF forces conduct a second assault in the direction of Brecourt Manor, driving the Germans out of the woodline. A skirmish line is established just short of Brecourt. Mixed elements of other units, believed to be the 101st, begin filtering into the AO at this time. Note that Allied communications appear to have broken down. TOC is unable to advise as to location of SAC, and reports only intermittent contact with other Allied units. Operational control of CEF callsigns shifts to Sierra 2-2.
1430 - CEF continues to operate in the woods west of Colleville. 6 AB strength constant at approximately 70% due to proximity of DZ 4. Elements of 3 ID also present. SAC directs 6 AB to move off the line at Brecourt, to be relieved by the 101st, and to join the assault on Colleville. 3 ID remains in the woods, and 6 AB moves out. New rally point is set east of DZ 4.
1435 - 1 CAN PARA assaults into Colleville, supported by mixed elements of the 4 ID, 899 BC, Rangers, and 82nd AB. 1 CAN PARA elements sustain heavy casualties, but secure the Colleville flag. 9 BRIT PARA provides covering and suppressive fire from the tree line west of Colleville. 9 BRIT PARA reports 101st attacking into Brecourt Manor. 9 BRIT PARA and 3 ID maintain the skirmish line, but with depleted numbers are reporting heavy German counter-attacks.
1450 - 1 CAN PARA under heavy attack in Colleville. Repeated requests for Allied reinforcements fail to generate the requisite forces.
1455 - Last remaining 1 CAN PARA elements report Germans advancing in strength on Colleville objective. Germans subsequently seize the objective.
1500 - Germans score the points for Colleville. SAC directs 6 AB to re-take the objective. 9 BRIT PARA reports from tree line west of Colleville that 101st is absent, and is heavily engaged, working with mixed elements of 3 ID, to repulse German advances in that area.
1510 - 1 CAN PARA, together with mixed elements of 4 ID, 3 ID, and Rangers prepare to assault into Colleville. 6 AB reports Allied players (other units) leaving the field due to lack of paint and exhaustion. 6 AB assesses only 6 AB, 899 BC, and some Ranger units are combat effective at this stage of the game in the Colleville area.
1520 - Mixed Allied units assault Colleville again, from the South. 6 AB moves east, to attempt to close with and engage the Guilotine. 6 AB encounters minimal German resistance, but is pinned down by heavy German tank activity on the approaches to Omaha Beach.
1545 - 6 AB reforms at designated rally point east of DZ 4 following re-insertion. 6 AB, reinforced by elements of the 82nd PF, 4th ID, and Rangers prepare to assault Colleville. CEF armoured support is requested, but Allied elements launch their assault before the armour is in position. Elements of 6 AB reach the flag, but report the pully to be defective - the flag will not flip. TOC is advised. Repeated attempts to flip the flag are defeated by the faulty flag. The attack is eventually repulsed.
1600 - Germans score the points for Colleville. TOC reports the Germans have won.
1615 - Following re-insertion from DZ 4, 6 AB elements mass at designated rally point to join the final assault on Colleville. Allied commanders on scene direct another charge, without armoured support, or prepatory attacks against key German positions. 6 AB joins the attack, which is repulsed.
1630 - Mixed elements of 6 AB still engaged in and around Colleville. Eliminated players are directed to rally at DZ 4. Fighting continues.
1645 - Germans counter-attack, following a failed and poorly organized Allied attack against Colleville. 6 AB players are withdrawn at command direction, and directed to rally at DZ 4.
1700 - Game end. CEF forces still on the field rally at DZ 4. At game end, estimate 6 AB to be at 60% strength, reinforced by mixed elements of 3 ID. 6 AB completes rapid AAR, and then marches back to camp.
End of report.
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