Shoot-N-Scoot

In the opening moves of the Ardennes offensive it would be imperative for Dietrich's 6th SS Panzer Armee to make big gains early. Unfortunately, this would mean driving the 1st SS and 12th SS Panzer Divisions and the 277 Volksgrenadiers Division through some of the roughest terrain in the Ardennes. …

1944-12-18

192

G29

In the opening moves of the Ardennes offensive it would be imperative for Dietrich's 6th SS Panzer Armee to make big gains early. Unfortunately, this would mean driving the 1st SS and 12th SS Panzer Divisions and the 277 Volksgrenadiers Division through some of the roughest terrain in the Ardennes. The American 2nd and 99th Infantry Divisions, one tired and battered, the other inexperienced, would take the brunt of the German attack along the Elsenborn ridge. Elements of these two divisions entrenched in the twin villages of Rocherath-Krikelt, and in the nearby village of Wirtzfeld, would see almost constant action throughout the first week of Wacht am Rhein.

Rocherath, Belgium

The Battle of Elsenborn Ridge refers to the northernmost German attacks during the Battle of the Bulge; the area from Elsenborn Ridge itself to Monschau was the only sector of the American front line attacked during the Battle of the Bulge where the Germans failed to advance. The battle centered on the boomerang-shaped Elsenborn Ridge east of Elsenborn, Belgium. In this region, Elsenborn Ridge marks the westernmost ridge of the Ardennes, rising more than 2,000 feet (600 m) above sea level; unlike the uplands further north, east and south, it has been extensively logged. West of Elsenborn Ridge, where the land descends in gentle hills to the cities of Liège and Spa, was a network of Allied supply bases and a well-developed road network. The Germans planned on using two key routes through the area to seize Antwerp and force a separate peace with the United States and Britain. Capturing Monschau, the nearby village of Höfen, and the twin villages of Rocherath-Krinkelt just east of Elsenborn Ridge, were key to the success of the German plans, and Hitler committed his best armored units to the area.

German

American

Scenario Type = Standard