Second ever game of IABSM: solo historical scenario, C company 5th Wiltshires tackle Les Duane's farm in the opening stages of operation Jupiter.
Held by a dug in and fortified company of the 10th SS with Pak 40, and infantry gun support, it was tough nut to crack, with the Brits attempting to make the most of the very effective opening barrage by rushing the farm and first hedge line, forcing the SS out of the main farm building and away from the hedges but having to fall back themselves to regroup.
The small arms firepower of the SS taking a heavy toll on the British infantry as the firefight continued. But the British 3rd platoon flanked the farm on the left and massed firepower forced the defenders back.
The two supporting Churchill tank troops lumbered forward and finished off the last of the defenders in the first hedgerow - after one tank shrugged off 3 hits from a Pak 40!
The firefight went to and fro with the infantry on both sides struggling to retain control of the farm buildings, but the sheer weight of fire of the Churchill's gradually wore down the SS defenders and they were eventually forced to retreat, with 2/3rds losses, but not before a parting mortar barrage on the farm.
Victory for the British but it took longer and was a much bloodier fight than it's historical counterpart.
Matt Clark
