84th Divisional Badge - The RailsplittersGEILENKIRCHEN CAMPAIGN NEWS
The campaign is based on the 84th US Infantry Division's assault on Hitler's West Wall which began on 18th November 1944. The 84th was attached to the British XXX Corps for Operation 'Clipper' - the attack on the heavily defended Geilenkirchen Salient defended by elements of the 183rd VolksGrenadier Division.
84th Divisional Badge - The Railsplitters
The campaign has just begun. The commanders are making plans and the first engagement of the campaign is due to be fought in April 2005. Watch this space for regular campaign up-dates, battle reports, and photos.
TANK! OUR WW2 RULES - the basics
Geilenkirchen Campaign Day 1: 18th November 1944. Having cleared the minefield infantry of the 334th Regiment move forward across the railway line supported by combat engineers and Churchills from 42nd Assault Regiment. (Figures mostly plastic Revell; tanks and half tracks Airfix and Matchbox). The West Wall proved too much of an obstacle despite heroic sacrifice. The attack ground to a halt over 1000 yds short of their objective - Suggerath. Hit by artillery concentrations and cut down by murderous MG fire from the bunkers 1st Battalion suffered particularly heavy casualties.
Another view of the developing attack (the last photo before the batteries for the camera ran out!). A mortar stonk hits a platoon of 171st Combat Engineers - and a pinned counter goes down (the engineers - two to a stand - are SHQ 20mm).
NEW 3/08/2005 Day 1 The afternoon fighting sees some success for the Yanks.