Second Attempt at the Loshiem Gap

[MikeJ19]

So after crashing and burning on the first attempt, here is my second go round.

For my planning thoughts see the thread "Disaster in the Loshiem Gap". I'm using the same plan, with some small adjustments...

Notes/adjustments
Tried this once and accepted defeat at D3 0700

So, what did I learn:
1. Stick to the plan - Capture Auw and Radschied early
2. Try different moves for the Bns in 293rd Regt
3. Track enemy - especially the US Arty
4. Lack of arty ammo - this means that I should focus my artillery attacks on key targets (HQ, Arty and armour concentrations)

Here is the plan....

[MikeJ19]

Early Going

New route for 293rd Regt is working so far.

2nd Bn 190th is fighting in Grosslangenfeld

Move toward Manderfeld is progressing - Although 1st Bn 294 is taking lots of Arty Fire which is slowing things down.

D1 1124

[MikeJ19]

D1 1530 North

[MikeJ19]

D1 1530 South

[MikeJ19]

D1 2100

[MikeJ19]

D2 0210

This is where I am at the moment. I will try to make regular updates as we go forward.

[Phoenix100]

Looking great, Mike. Much smoother than the first run. You doing more micromanaging (as they say)?

[MikeJ19]

Phoenix,


Thanks, it is going much better. I'm still giving orders to the Bn level, not to the companies. I'm being more specific with my routes though. The early key, was a better route for the 293rd Regt and employing the Assault Gun Bde earlier.

So far, so good.

[dazkaz15]

Looking Good Mike [:)]

[MikeJ19]

Daz, thanks. This is fun!

[MikeJ19]

D2 0417 - Plans

[MikeJ19]

D2 0808

After looking closely at the US forces, I've decided to swing the 183rd Regt, as they arrive, to the West to dislocate the US forces near Winterspelt. The 183rd Regt will then push North towards the bridges around Steinebruck and the town of Lommersweller.

More information about the layout of US forces as well. The Arty Bn south of Auw has been very resilient. I have a potentially important target west of Auw - the vague report of a Tank Bn.

Here's the screen shot...

[adek670]

MIkeJ,

Good AAR - I managed this one and posted an AAR at AAR Loshiem Gap

Might give this another go with the updates in effect

Ade

[MikeJ19]

Ade,

Thanks for the interest. I will definitely look at your AAR - thanks for the link.

Have a good day,

Mike

[MikeJ19]

What to do when my D4 reinforcements arrive?

This slide looks at my thoughts about the next steps. I need to understand where I want to employ the D4 reserves so that my decisions over the next two days support this intent. To get a decisive victory - I will need the points from St. Vith. To get a victory, I need the bridges.

So here are some of my thoughts....

[MikeJ19]

D2 0928

Things are looking up....

[MikeJ19]

D2 1450

Had Manderfeld, Auw and Radschied under my control for about 10 minutes. Should have them all under my control by evening. Also, should have forces in place to observe both Andler and Schonberg crossing sites.

I have had some good luck attacking US arty. I have been using the limited Arty ammo that I have to conduct Counter battery fire. This is important, I will have more freedom of action if I can reduce the US Arty forces.

[MikeJ19]

D2 1800

Much happier with my progress so far. I have secured the three objectives that expire in the morning of D3 and have a good presence across the Our in the North. I'm also closing the gap to encircle the US Forces that started in the Schnee Eifel.

I think that I've done a better job at using the Arty more effectively. With their limited ammo, I can not just fire at targets of opportunity. Instead, I have been prioritizing their fire support - attacking enemy artillery and supporting my attacks. There have been many times where I would have like to use my guns and rockets to slow down, wear down or stop the US forces, but I have not succumbed so far...

Here is where we sit shortly after night fall.

[wodin]

Great AAR..

[MikeJ19]

Wodin,

Thanks. I'm glad you like the approach.