Low Tide
CO - Fer
|- UAV: wolfenswan
With A3, I am less and less inclined to rely too much on the map for detailed planning, and more enthusiastic than ever about issuing movement orders only after I've seen the terrain first-hand (or through some binoculars). However, from the map and briefing a few things seemed clear to me:
1. The town was not a priority. It wasn't an objective, it was overlooked by bunkers, and even if AI were really only on the outskirts (bear in mind that wolfenswan is a sadist), that still meant FIBUA. And we're not good at that.
2. The valley was overlooked on at least two sides: to the front was the complex of bunkers around the enemy base (definite enemy presence), and to our left was a ridge (where I would be if I was the enemy).
Looking more closely at the ridge to our left (south), I could see plenty of gulleys running perpendicular to it. Very promising terrain for moving two squads in bounding overwatch. Moreover, there was only one strongpoint between the start of the ridge and the enemy base, and the high ground would give us the advantage over anything lurking in the valley below. I ordered Alpha and Bravo to move along the beach until they reached the start of the ridge, then climb (eventually) to positions either side of the road.
Fortuitously, I also had an understrength Charlie, which was positioned much closer to the ridge. I decided to use this element as my recce force, and ordered them to mount the ridge and skirmish some 100m ahead of the rest of the platoon. Kudos to comrade CSL Kefirz for getting this role right until his death towards the latter third of the mission - it's important for recce elements not to rambo it up, and Charlie was good in this regard.
ASL Gemoxy and BSL Big Boss eventually got their squads into position on the right and left-hand sides of the road respectively, with the UGV - our remote controlled tanketto - in the middle. Methodically, and with few losses, Charlie went ahead and found contacts, whilst Alpha and Bravo moved in bounds just behind and cleared the ridge. Alpha had a secondary role combatting contacts from the valley, whilst earlier on Bravo had despatched an enemy patrol that approached us from behind on the ridge. The UGV was excellent at taking out HMGs in the enemy bunkers, whilst the UAV destroyed several enemy vehicles before it was shot down during a loiter phase.
As we neared the strongpoint near the enemy base (marked mid-mission as 'ATGM'), Alpha and Bravo switched sides, with Alpha taking up some high ground to act as BoF for Bravo's assault. Charlie was already moving north of us, doing recce for the next assault - which would be on the base itself.
Just at this momement, the enemy counter-attacked with 2 x IFVs. Our UAV had crashed, although the first IFV was destroyed quickly, Alpha was soon out of rockets and had to withdraw to the reverse slope whilst Bravo came up and dealt with the second. Hurriedly, we resumed the original attack plan and Bravo took the strongpoint with cover from Alpha.
This was not a moment too soon, as an enemy MBT appeared and took up position close to Bravo. With Alpha out of RPGs it was left to Bravo to save itself, and two rockets would slam into the MBT before its crew bailed out and were cut down. During this time, however, Charlie had lost its leader.
Mindful of the Party's desire for quick victories, I now switched to Korean War Chinese Army Simulator mode, and attempted to organise my squads for a massed-rank assault uphill to the enemy base. Alpha moved to the wrecked enemy MBT and all FTLs were order to smoke the enemy position.
I died near the MBT, having gone forward with my UGL to smoke the enemy base and lob HE rounds at suspected enemy fighting positions. However, I am pleased to report that the base was taken by the remains of the platoon. Casualties were acceptablly high. Thanks to comrades Gemoxy, BigBoss and Kefirz for SLing, and to Wolfenswan for some slick UGV/UAV operation.
This was a great mission, although in hindsight I suspect my plan probably went to the bounds of the 'spirit of the mission' by not moving us through the valley. As cool as the UGV and UAV were, I would have gladly swapped them for MAT and MMG elements - and given the amount of enemy vehicles I was not a fan of the lack of RATs. Maybe the mission doesn't really need so many IFVs and an MBT - perhaps the 'Hamburger Hill' style fight up a heavily fortified hill is really engaging all by itself?
Oh yes, mortars. An MTR attachment would have been awesome.
