DEFENDER: AMERICAN
This scenario allows for a variety of deceptive actions on the part of the American player. Major decisions must be made relative to the placement of the mine factors, the composition of the 6 counters which may set up HIP, where to position the AT G, and the force (if any) which should be positioned south of the river.
Mines: Of all the possible options, I consider only 3 to be viable. Since the schwimmwagens may only enter the river from hexes S7 and S8, a good location to counteract an amphibious assault would be in U7 and U8. The ambibious assault may also be defended by infantry in V8. I feel the best AP locations are HIP in V6 & V7 (or all 12 factors in 12V6). This keeps the German guessing, as well as providing the best attack possibilities if the German gets infantry across the bridge. These buildings are the key to infantry rolling up a lot of points on the east flank. The AP mines may be traded for 4 AT mine factors which are best placed in open view on or near the bridge itself (1 factor on bridge; 3 factors V5). Since they may be cleared [B28.53] by in fantry; the actual hex(es) must be defended. AT mines seem the best bet at holding the AFVs at bay and forcing the infantry to clear them.
HIP Units: If not using hidden AP mines, I recommend one deployed squad with a BAZ, and a machine gun nest consisting of the 8-1, 6-6-6, and the MMG.
ATG Location: U1 has a nice LOS to T4. Any AFV trying to cross the bridge must present a side shot to that location. The only problem is that scouting HS's may easily find and overwhelm the gun. I feel that Y4 or Y5 are the best locations for the g un. Any tank in bypass on hill S5 can be sighted for deliberate immobilization [C5.7]. The road in S2/T2 is covered. Also the hex for entering the bridge T4. W6 available if needed by changing covered arc.
Ambush: Another good tactic is for the American to have the ATG setup in U9 (T9/U9) withm S6 boresighted allowing a side shot on any AFV coming down the road. Put the 7-0 & 6-6-6 HIP in T9 as a screening force. Put all 12 AP mine factors in S9. Wit h the frigid marsh in S10, it will be hard and time consuming for the German to get these 7 points of Americans rooted out. This ATG also has a LOS to the CAFP of any tanks in bypass on the hill in hexes S3, S4, S5. If the Germans concede these units, lat e in the game chance coming out of the woods to threaten buildings R9, R7, S7.
All non HIP units concealed:
U5: 1 factor AT mines
V5: 3 factors AT mines
U7: 6-6-6 BAZ
S9: HIP 3-4-6 BAZ
T1: HIP 3-4-6
U5: 7-0 DC (Throw it at any AFV)
Z6: (HIP 6-6-6 MMG 8-1) boresight U5
X6: 6-6-6
Y4: HIP 2-2-7 ATG (X3/X4) boresight T4
W5: 6-6-6
W9: 6-6-6
Any possible schwimmwagen assault should be held until the last. Either actually across the water (stage R7 & R8) or a last ditch run to get units across the bridge after most American troop dispositions have been found. One tactic is to use them to draw fire. Ammunition availability numbers are increased by one due to elite [C8.2] SS formation. Smoke from the Panzer IVJ's is critical for covering the bridge. Use armored assault movement to provide cover for infantry. At least one squad must be deployed and dedicated to the task of checking out ALL hexes on the north of the river.
1st turn all enter concealed (hold schwimmwagons & one Panzer IVJ off board):
Q9: 3-4-8 move to R9, S9, advance to T9
Q8: 3-4-8 move to R7, advance to S7
Q1: 3-4-8 move to R0, S1, advance to T1
Q3: (2) 3-4-8 9-1 6-5-8 LMG