19th of December,
Near Montherme,
4th day of the Offensive
Historical Context
While this operation does not truly follow any specific mission that took place during the Ardennes Offensive, it is heavily inspired by its events, taking place in the same historical context. Some historical elements were modified for mission-making purposes. The Battle of the Bulge, also known as the Ardennes Offensive, was a major German offensive campaign on the Western Front during World War II which took place from 16 December 1944 to 25 January 1945. It was launched through the densely forested Ardennes region between Belgium and Luxembourg. The offensive was intended to stop Allied use of the Belgian port of Antwerp and to split the Allied lines, allowing the Germans to individually encircle and destroy the four Allied armies and force the western Allies to negotiate a peace treaty in the Axis powers' favor. (If you want to read more on this check the Wikipedia site).
Situation
After the opening attack on the 16th, our forces have been hard at work chewing through the Allied lines and pushing them back according to plan. Unfortunately, the bad weather turned into a double-edged sword, not only blocking the Allied Airforce, but also hindering our troop's advance through the forests. You are part of the Fifth Panzer Army - XLVII Panzer Corps, a joint task force composed of elements of the 2nd Panzer Division and the 26th Volksgrenadier Division. So far, you are also the most advanced element in the Central Sector. Due to other elements being behind schedule, the enemy was allowed precious time to regroup their forces and make plans to block our offensive. Intel indicates that the enemy plans to retreat to the West of the Meuse in your sector, and blow up any bridges behind them. If this is allowed to happen, the offensive will grind to a halt. As such, despite being overstretched and separated from other friendly units, you have been ordered to attack and secure a bridge across the Meuse.
Mission
At 0700 hours you will gear up and step off towards Le Champ De Trou. This village will be your first search zone in the region, hosting two bridges. In order to get to it, you have some ground to cover, so Division Command has decided to launch a feint attack on Saint-Leger and Le Jourez at 0600 hours, one hour before your offensive. This will be done in order to draw the enemy out and pave a way for you. Your platoon will receive the task of flanking West of the attacks, eliminating the enemy support elements and capturing their positions from behind. While friendlies are already attacking Saint Leger and Le Jourez, expect hostile troops to pull back to your position in order to reinforce. Recon has managed to identify the two support positions hidden behind the towns - we are looking at an entrenched garrison with armour support and an artillery position further up the road. HQ expects these positions to be fortified.
After you've captured the hamlet South-West of Saint Leger and the artillery position, you will move past Le Jourez and siege Le Champ De Trou. We expect the two previous towns to be secured by the time you get to them, so you will not have to worry about running into enemies. If this changes you will be notified. We are looking at two bridges in Le Champ De Trou, one across the Semois, and another one across the Meuse. HQ expects you to capture both. If the first bridge (across the Meuse) is functional, you will cross and establish a beachhead there. Otherwise, you will proceed North, over the Semois and push along the river bank until until a way across the Meuse is found. From this point on, the friendly elements that took part in the feint attacks will follow behind you and protect your flanks. Known bridges have been marked on map. HQ will consider this operation a success as long as we hold a bridgehead across the Meuse when ENDEX is called. Due to the poor weather conditions, you will have no air support. Platoon SGT can call in artillery support, smokes or HE. Given your separation from the main element, you will also need to take care of your own resupply trucks.
Threat report
We are facing the Americans in this sector. Intel indicates that the 106th Infantry Division, now mostly wounded and exhausted, will be operating in your AO, along with the 28th Inf. Div. and reinforcements from the 9th Armoured Division. This means you will fight both motorised infantry and armoured elements, including tanks and tank destroyers. Expect lighter defences on your initial objectives, with heavier and more complex trenches near the bridges. Scouts also report enemy patrols through the forests, keep an eye on your close flanks. We doubt the enemy will risk sending any planes in this weather.
Objectives
- Secure the Hamlet
South-West of Saint Leger lies a small village with two layers of defences. If the diversionary attack goes well, the defences should be weaker. Your task is to secure this position, eliminating the American garrison and any reinforcements fleeing from Saint-Leger. INTEL indicates a razor-wire line, marked on your map, serving as a first line of defense, and a more fortified trench-line near the buildings. - Destroy artilery positions
South-West of Le Jourez and North-West of the Hamlet, the enemy has turned a small farm into an artilery position. The existance of this poses a risk to any soldiers on the frontlines. You are to assault the farm and destroy any arty piece, and neutralize any American presence. Scouts report a lot of open ground with stolen PAK-s and different emplacements overlooking the fields. - Secure a bridge across the Meuse
This means securing the bridge itself and also a beachhead on the other side. Bridges have been marked on your map. The first bridges are in Le Champ De Trou, going up the river bank all the way to Montherme. We have not had time to scout the enemy defences here, but expect heavy resistance.
Preset
Additional mods
THE FOLLOWING MOD IS REQUIRED, BUT NOT ON STEAM WORKSHOP. YOU WILL HAVE TO INSTALL IT MANUALLY:
https://www.nexusmods.com/arma3/mods/41
Mega mirror here:
Installation instructions:
- Download the mod from either link.
- Unpack it in a safe location (where you won't delete it, ideally in your Arma 3 installation folder; I DO NOT recommend using the !Workshop folder for this)
- Install the mod
- Make sure you enable the mod.
