Carentan, 10-13th June 1944

The game Carentan, 10 - 13th June 1944 shows fierce fighting in Normandy between Germans and Americans. In starting phase of the battle enemy armies used elite airborne formations and later less experienced mechanized forces. In effect training and determination factors were balanced. Americans achieved success because of material advantage and better coordination of combined arms actions. Could the battle outcome have been different? On tactical level German fallschirmjägers had edge, because they were masters in using urban terrain. But lack of ammo and high casualties forced them to leave Carentan. On the other hand Americans used consistently artillery support and they gained ground step by step. These battlefield elements are shown in "Great Battles of Small Units" system. Two scenarios are included. "Purple Heart Lane" depicts struggle for Carentan between enemy paratroopers. Players can use optional rule and see what would be battle finale, if troops from 17th SS Panzergrenadier Division appeared earlier on the battlefield. The scenario "Battle of Bloody Gulch" shows American defence of Carentan against German counterattack. In this fighting American armored units are present as well.