D-Day Preparation

I don't think I've ever managed to play a war game to recognize the anniversary of an actual battle on the date that it happened. Since the 75th anniversary of D-Day is fast approaching, I decided at the last minute to do something, but what? I have 15mm US paratroopers, but the Germans need to be finished and based,  and it's been a few years since I started them, so that might be a little unlikely.

Instead, I decided to see if I could find a suitable scenario that I could bring to the tabletop with my existing 54s, i.e. not requiring specialists or vehicles I don't have available. Fortunately, I have Skirmish Campaigns Heroes of Omaha and Panzer Lehr. "Bluff at Easy Green" is a small scenario and looked pretty straightforward.

Since I'm on a roll, I decided to use my current set of grid-based rules, which meant converting to a grid.

Two US infantry squads engage a German rifle squad and an independent LMG team(in the house). It doesn't end well.

One thing led to another and I couldn't resist giving the game a try, which raised the issue that I really don't know anything about bocage. So, I wrapped up the play test and hit the internet. A few modifications for bocage and for independent LMG teams / rifle fire teams without LMGs and I think I"m good to go for June 6.

I'll post the scenario and some more details when I play it "for real".

I also revisited my map conversion - I had closed off some areas with bocage that I shouldn't have. After re-reading the scenario section of Developing the Portable Wargame here's the new map:

The thing with red dots is the orchard. The light grey rectangle is a farm house. The dark grey thing is a collection of four walls.