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"Coup De Main."
(A WW2 Scenario set in France 1940)
by
Leslie Tipping

Introduction: The late spring of 1940 was to produce a military defeat so cataclysmic for France that its repercussions are still felt to-day. On the 10th of May 1940, German Armies advanced into neutral Belgium and Holland, provoking their Allies (France and Great Britain) to respond by sending their best troops Northward into Belgium.The German attack was however no more than an elaborate deception for no sooner had the Allies advanced into Belgium when suddenly the German Panzers burst out of the Ardennes and swept across the River Meuse near Sedan.
The Allied opposition in this sector of the Line was made up of elderly and poorly trained reservists who despite some feats of incredible courage and self sacrifice, were no match for the swiftly moving Panzers. Allied confusion was magnified by the fact that the Germans had struck at the junction between two French Armies, the Second led by Huntzinger and the Ninth led by the unfortunately named General Corap.
The Panzers sped North to cut off the allied Armies leading to their undignified scramble out of Belgium and consequently to the evacuation of the B.E.F. at Dunkirk and to the eventual surrender of France.
The Germans had within a month, despite being outnumbered in everything except aircraft and anti-aircraft guns, knocked one of the Allies completely out of the War and had rendered the other, at least in the short term, military impotent.
The secret of the German success had been speed and unrelenting pressure, thus keeping the Allies confused and off balance so they had no opportunity to gather forces for a meaningful counter attack.
Some minor counter attacks, such as at Arras and Montcornet had taken place but these had been poorly co-ordinated and lacked sufficient troops for exploitation.

The Game focuses on the French held town and vital communications centre of Montherme. Both sides require the paved roads through this much shelled little town if their plans are to succeed. (see Map)

French Commanders Briefing.
You have been tasked with the defence of Montherme. It is absolutely vital that you hold this town as the High Command regard its continued control as vital to the secure communications between the British Expeditionary Force and our own First Army.
We accept that the troops at your disposal are limited but it is believed that with sufficient determination and resolve, you should be able to repulse any enemy attacks on your position.
Although the military position remains fluid, substantial reinforcements will be sent to you as they become available. Assurances have been received from the Air Force that you will be given all available air support.
Information from reconnaissance units would tend to suggest that some enemy elements are converging on your position. You are further instructed that you are to give all possible assistance to refugees moving through the town.
Reports of German Fifth Columnists operating in rear areas are now discounted as figments of overactive Belgium imaginations.

French Forces:
The forces available to the French Commander are two platoons of equipped Reservists Infantry and a "Laffy White" armoured car. The armoured car, a relic of World War One, is equipped with a light machine gun and is to patrol the lateral road to maintain communications between the French and British Armies.

German Commanders Briefing.
You are to capture the enemy controlled town of Montherme and then hold it against enemy counter attacks until you are relieved. The possession of this town is vital if our rapid advance is to continue thus compounding the existing confusion and disarray of our enemies. No delays can nor will be accepted.
The forces at your disposal are deemed more than adequate for the task They are well motivated and equipped and should be capable of overcoming any enemy resistance within the town.
The enemy defenders are reported to be demoralised and few in number. Motorised and armoured reinforcements will be despatched to reinforce and exploit your success if they are not committed elsewhere. Speed and decisive action is essential.

German Forces:
The troops available to the German Commander are two platoons of Brandenburg Kommandoes, one light mortar and a civilian lorry. The Kommandoes disguised as refugees, are well armed with automatic weapons and grenades but have no anti-tank weapons.
The civilian lorry is to accompany the Kommandoes into the town. The light mortar is already set up on the edge of the woods near the town.

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