Battleday October 17, 2004
Axis (Jagenkatzen) versus Allies (War Dogs)
Eric – Tiger I #F02 Sherman Jumbo
Marty – King Tiger #300 Super Pershing #2
Tiger I #S33 Sherman Thunderbolt VII
Mike J. – M45 Pershing B12
The commanders of the crack unit Jagenkatzen gathered outside the abandoned steel factory to discuss a plan of attack to recapture the town. Their objective was to disrupt the Allied supply line by knocking out the forces in the town and ambushing supply convoys using the town and its bridges as a pass through. The Axis, comprised of two Tigers and one King Tiger with some infantry, would go against an estimated two Shermans and two Pershings with support infantry. The Allies had the advantage of cover within the town while the Axis had to cross open country to achieve the objective.
The Axis began their approach across the plains taking up positions at 2500 m eters. It was no surprise the Axis was spotted as the Sherman Thunderbolt and Super Pershing exited the urban area to set up positions just outside, near an abandoned bunker. Shots rang out as King Tiger 300 and Tiger F02 fired at the Allied position while Tiger S33 traversed a ravine to blind-side the Allied position. The Thunderbolt and Super Pershing returned fire grazing King Tiger 300. Tiger S33 closed the distance to 2000 meters and fired on the Thunderbolt striking the mantlet. The Thunderbolt and Super Pershing changed their position firing upon Tiger S33 landing a hit on the front armor and impacting the track and roadwheels of King Tiger 300. Tiger S33 and King Tiger 300 pelted the Thunderbolt with enough force the turret cracked. From the town emerged a Jumbo, dangerously low on ammo, firing on Tiger F02 hitting the rear engine compartment. Tiger F02 responded by training its gun on the new assailant, but before responding, another round from the Jumbo impacted the turret. Tiger F02 fired striking the lower hull of the Jumbo whereby it backed into the cover of a ravine.
The M45 Pershing acting as infantry support, defended the town blocking one of the two-bridge access to streets. Axis infantry was repelled from crossing the bridge due to M45 support fire. A call went out for armor support knowing this may not happen anytime soon.
Meanwhile King Tiger 300 and Super Pershing 2 engaged in a heated contest of stubborn will as they came to close quarters within 1500 meters. Trading round for round each vehicle sustained severe damage and several puncture wounds in the heavy frontal armor. Super Pershing 2 finally achieved the upper hand with a well placed round between the turret and upper hull KO’ing the vehicle. Super Pershing 2 now crippled, supported the wavering Thunderbolt against Tiger S33.
Tiger S33 proceeded to fend off the Thunderbolt at 2000 meters while the Super Pershing joined in the assault. Tiger S33 made a slow fighting withdrawal across the ravine forcing the Thunderbolt to give chase. From this new vantage point, Tiger S33 engaged the crippled Super Pershing firing a round connecting with the mantlet. The Super Pershing attempted to move to engage but significant damage to the drive prevented pursuit.
Tiger F02 having fended off the Jumbo for now, took position to engage the approaching Thunderbolt at less than 1500 meters. Firing at the Thunderbolt, a round penetrated the turret stopping the vehicle in a lurch. The crew bailed out before the ammo cooked off KO’ing the tank. The Jumbo having closed the distance to 1800 meters, fired on F02 from the rear penetrating the rear stowage bin and turret sending smoke plums from the punctured turret. The Jumbo proceeded to pass the now burning Tiger F02 to aid the Super Pershing.
Tiger S33 fired upon the Jumbo damaging the right front drive while closing on the crippled Super Pershing. The Super Pershing engine began to fail and the turret locked up preventing rotation such that the tank could not be brought to bear on Tiger S33. The crew began to evacuate. The gun of Tiger S33 overheated causing recoil failure with its last firing becoming frozen in the recoil position. The hostilities ended suddenly as silence befell the battlefield. Tiger S33 watched the Jumbo for an opportunity to back off and escape while the Jumbo, now depleted of main ammo waited out Tiger S33 stalling for support from the town.
Tiger S33 eventually backed off during the night under infantry support back to the steel factory and the Jumbo returned to town. The severly crippled Super Pershing was recovered the next day. Pershing M45 with infantry support had successfully rebuffed Axis infantry from entering the town.
     |
    |