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AAR - Day 4, Assault on La Feuillie
Feb 26, 2015 13:35:20 GMT -5
Post by Saunders[41stAIR] on Feb 26, 2015 13:35:20 GMT -5
SITUATION JULY 16th 1944
TF Biddle assumes control of the La Feuillie sector as the 29th's main efforts are shifted into the Putot-en-Bessin sector. An assault is launched to capture three key bridges and fords over the River Taute and maintain momentum in assaulting Periers.
REPORT OF ACTIONS
First bridge captured without loss or return fire. The enemy is so devoid of Infantry that the nature of his defenses were based around his Mark V tanks, being used more like armored pillboxes then as weapons of movement. Mark Vs were quickly spotted by reconnaissance after moving past the first objective but could not be dislodged from the hedges by artillery fire; despite damaging several.
The enemy, who had a notable local tank superiority, used this to good effect, preventing any movement past the second bridge with inaccurate but constant HE fire. Engaged by our sole M10, another Panther was damaged and forced to displace, but the enemy's position was not fully dislodged. Lack of initiative on our own end gave the enemy time to react and bring forward the full force of his tank-force to bear on us with flanking fire. The flank forced 2nd Squad to fall back. 2nd's Egress from its position meant that 1st - who had just successfully engaged an enemy Halftrack w/ infantry- had to egress as well. Both tanks were by now burning and their crews heading back to position on foot.
Attack considered halted after 2/3 objectives secured, losses negligible and bulk of command extracted safely. July 16th marks the first day that TF Biddle's objectives were not met in the course of this operation, but the damage to our combat power was practically non-evident. Another attack will be launched on La Fueillie as soon as retreating forces are re-organized.
2nd Lt. Rinaldi,
113th Cavalry Sqn, 113th Cavalry Group
TF Biddle assumes control of the La Feuillie sector as the 29th's main efforts are shifted into the Putot-en-Bessin sector. An assault is launched to capture three key bridges and fords over the River Taute and maintain momentum in assaulting Periers.
REPORT OF ACTIONS
First bridge captured without loss or return fire. The enemy is so devoid of Infantry that the nature of his defenses were based around his Mark V tanks, being used more like armored pillboxes then as weapons of movement. Mark Vs were quickly spotted by reconnaissance after moving past the first objective but could not be dislodged from the hedges by artillery fire; despite damaging several.
The enemy, who had a notable local tank superiority, used this to good effect, preventing any movement past the second bridge with inaccurate but constant HE fire. Engaged by our sole M10, another Panther was damaged and forced to displace, but the enemy's position was not fully dislodged. Lack of initiative on our own end gave the enemy time to react and bring forward the full force of his tank-force to bear on us with flanking fire. The flank forced 2nd Squad to fall back. 2nd's Egress from its position meant that 1st - who had just successfully engaged an enemy Halftrack w/ infantry- had to egress as well. Both tanks were by now burning and their crews heading back to position on foot.
Attack considered halted after 2/3 objectives secured, losses negligible and bulk of command extracted safely. July 16th marks the first day that TF Biddle's objectives were not met in the course of this operation, but the damage to our combat power was practically non-evident. Another attack will be launched on La Fueillie as soon as retreating forces are re-organized.
2nd Lt. Rinaldi,
113th Cavalry Sqn, 113th Cavalry Group