Death of General Rose*
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Date: March 30, 1945*
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Battle Type: American Delay vs German Advance*
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Situation: The US 3rd Armored division commanded by General Maurice Rose is advancing in the area of Paderborn, Germany. TF (Task Force) Richardson and TF Welborn make up the spearheads of the division. A former cavalry officer, General Rose has a reputation for never being far from the fighting.*
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The 507th Schwere Panzer Abteilung (Heavy Panzer Detachment) happened to be at Paderborn refitting with new Tiger II tanks when the 3rd Armored attacked. Along with local Volksturm elements, it was attached to SS-Panzer-Brigade "Westfalen" for the defense of the Paderborn area.*
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Earlier in the day TF Richardson was stopped by Tiger Tanks while approaching Paderborn from the west. TF Welborn attempted to bypass the town to the south, but was also brought under fire and lost several tanks.*
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The 507th took advantage of the situation and launched a counter-attack between TF Richardson and TF Welborn. As darkness fell General Rose, less than a mile behind the front lines, attempted to reach TF Welborn.*
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Aftermath: General Rose and his escort were surprised in the dark by a Tiger Platoon passing along a road in the opposite direction. He was killed and the rest of the command group scattered.*
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The heavy resistance around the town, the german counter-attack, and the loss of General Rose combined to stop the 3rd armored. After a few days, the 507th Schwere Panzer Abt. was withdrawn to the eastern front.*
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Game Notes: This is a small battle, a vignette of the action around Paderborn that evening. Can be played from either side but is more challenging as the Americans.*
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Design: SPCAMO*