Festungstruppen*
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Date: September, 1944*
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Battle Type: U.S. Assault against German Defense*
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Design by SP-Camo*
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After the destruction of the bulk of the German armored forces at Falaise in August 1944, the German armies retreated at full speed for the fortifications on the German border, known variously as the "Weststellung" or "Siegfried Line".  The carnage of the fighting in Normandy had been so intense that most German divisions were reduced to Kampfgruppe and organizationally in a very chaotic state.*
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In order to stem the triumphant allied advance, the Germans fielded over 100 battalions of fortress troops such as fortress infantry, fortress MG, fortress artillery and fortress engineers to the western front.  The production of so many battalions so rapidly was a triumph of the German Ersatzheer (Replacement Army) and a surprise to the allies who thought the German army in the west to be practically finished.*
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Thus, the allies, whose supply lines were gravely overextended, suddenly encountered manned fortifications on the primary axes of advance into Germany.  The allied advance stopped abruptly at the German border, and further south, around the fortifications of Metz and the Vosges Mountains.  The Ersatzheer had bought the Feldheer (Field Army) vitally needed time to reorganize and re-equip.*
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In this scenario, you command an American combat team made up of a rifle company with tank, engineer, artillery, and reconnaissance support.  Your team has been directed to crack the first group of Weststellung fortifications in your sector of advance.  However, the strained supply lines mean the availability of artillery ammunition is low and your supporting battery has something like 40 percent of its normal fire allotment.*
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Your opponents have a variety of equipment, some older.  However, there is nothing like field fortifications to stiffen the backbone of defending troops!  The battalion S-2 has told you the Germans have recently moved in infantry and fortress antitank units.  You will be provided with a smokescreen for the initial part of your advance.*
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