Historical Background: May 1940, after the breakthrough at Sedan, German panzers were rushing to the Channel (operation "Fall Gelb"). South of Péronne, 62.Infanterie Division securized the left flank of the offensive and opened some bridgeheads on the Somme river. 1st French Army Corps received the order to crush the enemy bridgeheads. Battle Group Malhuet of the 2nd DCR (Division Cuirassée de Réserve) reinforced by elements of 117th Infantry Regiment, had to capture the bridges of Pargny and Béthencourt. The attack was under a clear moonlight. B-1 bis heavy tanks, H-39 light tanks, motorized infantry (17°BCP) and infantrymen on foot advanced in the night under enemy artillery fire. In the morning, Pargny bridge was captured intact, Béthencourt bridge was destroyed by the enemy but the area was safe. The German bridgeheads were reduced, the mission was accomplished. The stage is set, the battle lines are drawn, and you are in command. The rest is history.
Briefing: Axis player [Germany] : 5 command cards. Allied Player [France] : 6 command cards, you move first.
Conditions of Victory: Allied player : 6 medals with at least one medal token. Axis player : 6 medals. Pargny bridge and Béthencourt village are each a temporary medal-objective for the Allied player.
Special Rules: - Use "Specialized Units" rules (Troop 2) to the two Allied infantry units and two armored units with badge. - Use "Special Weapon Asset" rules (SWA 1 & 2) to the three Axis units with antitank badge. - Somme river is impassable except by the Pargny bridge (Terrain 8). - This battle occurred in the night, so "Air Power" card is removed of the game before beginning.
Scenario Bibliography: - Revue historique de l'Armée n°1 - 1965. -"Comme des lions" - Dominique Lormier.
Official scenario of FFM44. Played during the tournament at Crépy-en-Valois on the 20th of February 2010 at Cergy Pontoise on the 04th of December 2010 and at la Chapelle Saint Aubin (Le Mans) on the 26th of January 2020.
Warning: Please note that this scenario was not approved by Richard Borg or Days of Wonder, so you have to check yourself about playability, potential gaming issues, etc.
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