![Saunders[41stAIR] Avatar](http://storage.proboards.com/6178778/avatar/tB5D2Xn1JEL6mk1t8OgR.png)
AAR - Day 1, 113th in Cambes En Plaine sector
Feb 26, 2015 13:32:04 GMT -5
Post by Saunders[41stAIR] on Feb 26, 2015 13:32:04 GMT -5
SITUATION JULY 15th 1944
TF "BIDDLE", consisting of elements of the 113th Cavalry Group is to advance, under Corps orders, to secure the crossroads of "Cambes en Plaines" and invite counterattack, in hopes of drawing off Axis forces from the struggling advance of the 29th and 30th Infantry Divisions.
A secondary objective was the capture of Hill 164; a dominating position being used by the Axis to interdict supply columns with artillery fire moving behind friendly lines.
REPORT OF ACTIONS
Screened by jeep-mounted reconnaissance units, the 113th Taskforce advanced through friendly lines up to a rail-line that bisected the area of operations. There they proceeded to clear a wheatfield that posed an ambush-risk to the Cavalry and Armor moving up behind them. The recon performed this with speed and egressed quickly out of the position as the main column took position and began to HE the treeline and Church that dominate the landscape.
At this point, 1st squad, guarding a M10 from the 883rd Tank Destroyer battalion began to give light and highly ineffective fire on a MG nest in the town's Church Tower. The fire was enough to make the enemy MG nest retreat into cover; blinding the enemy's most effective OP. 2nd Squad, guarding a 2nd tank from the 883rd moved swiftly to the left of the town, securing a D2 hill after an utterly inconclusive firefight with an enemy AT team. Using the hedgerows skillfully, the enemy Anti-tank team slipped into the wilderness, pursued briefly. Sgt. Saunders of 2nd squad effectively defended his assigned Tank Destroyer and pushed the advance to the left-rear of the village and immediately set up a blocking position against virtually no opposition. The village was kept under a light, harassing fire from all 3 M10s ( a third being in reserve by Headquarters on a ridge to the rear). The fire was on target and rated as accurate from forward observers, but the town outskirts were as quiet as can be.
While the town was being shelled, reconnaissance elements cut the unguarded enemy line of retreat, and were quickly reinforced by a M10. The shellshocked defenders surrendered en masse shortly thereafter.
TF Biddle reports the crossroads at "Cambes en Plaines" to be secure, and is now digging into the surrounding area in anticipation of a counterattack by the 17.SS PanzerGrenadiers. The light resistance encountered does not have the 113th fooled: The enemy still have much fight in them.
CASAULTIES
Pvt. Emory, Evan L. - 1st Platoon, Troop C. 113th Cavalry Sqn. "Suspicious circumstances - suspect Friendly Fire incident; Graves Registration currently investigating"
Material and Personnel Captured
- Assorted Mauser Carbines
- 2 MG-42 Spandaus
- 2 Panzerschreck tubes plus ammunition
- 2 MP-40 submachineguns
- 11 NCOs and Enlisted of Regt. 38, 17.SS, surrendered to elements of the 113th upon the capture of the town "Galmanche" - their line of retreat.
Addenum: Col. Biddle reports to VIIIth Corps HQ that the enemy at present still hold Hill 164. A dawn attack is being prepared to eliminate this pocket of resistance before the resumption of the advance. With luck, the enemy will withdraw and concede this key position before any assault has to be made. This stubborn pocket of resistance has prevented us from calling this advance a proper breakthrough.
Signed,
2nd Lt. Rinaldi
113th Cavalry Sqn.; 113th Cavalry Group
TF "BIDDLE", consisting of elements of the 113th Cavalry Group is to advance, under Corps orders, to secure the crossroads of "Cambes en Plaines" and invite counterattack, in hopes of drawing off Axis forces from the struggling advance of the 29th and 30th Infantry Divisions.
A secondary objective was the capture of Hill 164; a dominating position being used by the Axis to interdict supply columns with artillery fire moving behind friendly lines.
REPORT OF ACTIONS
Screened by jeep-mounted reconnaissance units, the 113th Taskforce advanced through friendly lines up to a rail-line that bisected the area of operations. There they proceeded to clear a wheatfield that posed an ambush-risk to the Cavalry and Armor moving up behind them. The recon performed this with speed and egressed quickly out of the position as the main column took position and began to HE the treeline and Church that dominate the landscape.
At this point, 1st squad, guarding a M10 from the 883rd Tank Destroyer battalion began to give light and highly ineffective fire on a MG nest in the town's Church Tower. The fire was enough to make the enemy MG nest retreat into cover; blinding the enemy's most effective OP. 2nd Squad, guarding a 2nd tank from the 883rd moved swiftly to the left of the town, securing a D2 hill after an utterly inconclusive firefight with an enemy AT team. Using the hedgerows skillfully, the enemy Anti-tank team slipped into the wilderness, pursued briefly. Sgt. Saunders of 2nd squad effectively defended his assigned Tank Destroyer and pushed the advance to the left-rear of the village and immediately set up a blocking position against virtually no opposition. The village was kept under a light, harassing fire from all 3 M10s ( a third being in reserve by Headquarters on a ridge to the rear). The fire was on target and rated as accurate from forward observers, but the town outskirts were as quiet as can be.
While the town was being shelled, reconnaissance elements cut the unguarded enemy line of retreat, and were quickly reinforced by a M10. The shellshocked defenders surrendered en masse shortly thereafter.
TF Biddle reports the crossroads at "Cambes en Plaines" to be secure, and is now digging into the surrounding area in anticipation of a counterattack by the 17.SS PanzerGrenadiers. The light resistance encountered does not have the 113th fooled: The enemy still have much fight in them.
CASAULTIES
Pvt. Emory, Evan L. - 1st Platoon, Troop C. 113th Cavalry Sqn. "Suspicious circumstances - suspect Friendly Fire incident; Graves Registration currently investigating"
Material and Personnel Captured
- Assorted Mauser Carbines
- 2 MG-42 Spandaus
- 2 Panzerschreck tubes plus ammunition
- 2 MP-40 submachineguns
- 11 NCOs and Enlisted of Regt. 38, 17.SS, surrendered to elements of the 113th upon the capture of the town "Galmanche" - their line of retreat.
Addenum: Col. Biddle reports to VIIIth Corps HQ that the enemy at present still hold Hill 164. A dawn attack is being prepared to eliminate this pocket of resistance before the resumption of the advance. With luck, the enemy will withdraw and concede this key position before any assault has to be made. This stubborn pocket of resistance has prevented us from calling this advance a proper breakthrough.
Signed,
2nd Lt. Rinaldi
113th Cavalry Sqn.; 113th Cavalry Group