
Monday, July 25, 2016
Combat Mission Final Blitzkrieg - Assault Gun TacticsAlthough it was clear to me that assault guns like the StuG IIIG are not the same as self-propelled artillery (Wespe, Hummel vehicles), I think I was utterly wrong about storming and breaking through a defensive line with a combined infantry-assault gun team moving up simultaneously.

The StuG IIIG has a narrow field of fire and lacks the ability to shift it rapidly as tanks do. Unexpected fire from the flanks is one of the most scary liabilities of these assault guns.
In this after action report, I placed my StuG IIIGs in a relatively safe support by fire position and let the infantry roll with the close assault.
The mission. This panoramic view shows my two platoons of German grenadiers (grey icons) and the enemy positions in the background (green icons, US). The enemy has staged a hasty defense centered in a relatively shallow depression cut by a stream. US forces include infantry, HMGs and 2 or more AT guns.
Splitting them up: one of my 4 StuG IIIs moving to a support by fire position. Infantry from 1st Platoon can be seen, moving forward for an assault jump-off position.
Maneuvering into position. Two platoons...
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