Closing the Gap

by GeneralHowitzer | Apr 29, 2025 | 1944, Armor, Countryside, Infantry, Location: France, Medal Objectives, Memoir 44, Scenario, Strategic, Theater: Western

Closing the Gap

The Battle of Closing the Gap near Falaise from August 19–22, 1944, marked the final phase of the Falaise Pocket, where British, Canadian, Polish, and American forces worked to encircle and destroy retreating German units in Normandy.

Fighting was intense as the Allies tightened the noose, with the Polish 1st Armored Division holding key high ground at Mont Ormel against desperate German breakout attempts. Despite some Germans escaping, the Allies captured or killed tens of thousands, crushing what remained of German Army Group B in the West.

Closing that pocket slammed the door on the German army in Normandy—choked ’em off, chewed ’em up, and cleared the road straight to Paris. From there, it was full speed ahead into the heart of France.

~~ General Howitzer

6 VP’s

Card Balance:

Allies – 5

Axis – 5

Complexity:

3

Conditions:

Countryside

Context:

Historical

Location:

France

Year:

1944

Theater:

Western

Campaign:

The Battle of Normandy

Codename:

Operation Tractable

Summary:

Objectives:

6 VP’s, plus Territorial Objective Medals for Allies, and Exit Objectives for Axis

Battlefield:

Countryside with a road and the Dives River cutting off the Axis forces from their objective.

Troops:

Allies – 8 Infantry, 3 Armor

Axis – 10 Infantry, 2 Armor

Special Rules:

Rescue attempt aspect: Each side may order up to 2 armor units into battle as Armor Breakthroughs. Axis armor units that are sent in to rescue cannot escape through any of the Exit hexes.

Overall Strategy

This game is interesting because each side is given the opportunity to bring in two Armor units into the battle, right into the heart of the enemy territory. And so within the first couple of turns it is a crazy mixed-up battle with enemy forces attacking from multiple directions. You must learn to engage in a two-front war.

Allied Strategy:

1. The challenge for the Allies is to get your forces across the bridges. Otherwise, you will be blocked and congested in your attack efforts. Of course, you also have to deal with the enemy armor that will show up on your end of the battlefield.

2. If any of the original Axis forces (not the ones which spawned on that side) make it across the river, you must prevent them from exiting.

3. You can hide out in the towns near the river for a while and attack the enemy forces in an attempt to degrade their fighting ability, but eventually you may have to cross over and attack if the enemy doesn’t come to you.

Axis Strategy

1. On your right flank, you are evenly matched with the Allied forces with four Infantry units each. Due to their congested starting postion, there is an opportunity to move in and claim control of the town of Moisy and prevent the Allies from getting objective medal without a bitter fight. Then from there, it is a short 3 hex run to exit through the Exit hex and gain a medal.

2. You have a lot of forces, but you will need to get them up to the river to attack the enemy. But keep some in reserve to deal with the enemy forces that will show up to rescue their troops.

Battle Reports

Author:

Days of Wonder

Link:

Download PDF

Saint-Martin and Bull Bridge

by GeneralHowitzer | Apr 28, 2025 | 1944, Armor, Artillery, Countryside, Infantry, Location: France, Medal Objectives, Memoir 44, Scenario, Special Weapons, Tactical

Saint-Martin and Bull Bridge

After the Allied breakout from Normandy (Operation Cobra, late July 1944), U.S. forces rapidly advanced across northern France. As they pursued retreating German forces, small but fierce battles flared up at key defensive points.
Battle Overview:
In early August 1944, elements of the U.S. Army (likely from Patton’s Third Army) encountered stiff German resistance at St. Martin and the nearby Bull Bridge, vital crossings over local waterways.
The Germans, using hastily organized rear-guard units, attempted to delay the American advance by holding these positions. Fighting involved close-quarters combat, sniper fire, artillery strikes, and quick assaults to seize the bridge intact before the Germans could demolish it.
Outcome:
U.S. forces ultimately captured St. Martin and secured Bull Bridge, helping to maintain the momentum of the Allied advance toward the Seine River.
German forces were forced into further retreat, suffering losses in men and equipment.
Significance:
Though a relatively small engagement compared to larger battles like Falaise, holding key river crossings like Bull Bridge was critical for sustaining the speed of the Allied liberation of France.

General Howitzer’s observation:
We took St. Martin and locked down Bull Bridge—small on the map, but damned vital. Every bridge we held kept our boys rolling toward the Seine and sent the Germans running with their tails between their legs, bleeding men and steel all the way.

5 VP’s

Card Balance:

Allies – 5

Axis – 5

Complexity:

3

Conditions:

Countryside

Context:

Historical

Location:

France

Year:

1944

Theater:

Western

Campaign:

Operation Cobra

Codename:

Summary:

Objectives:

5 VP’s, plus the temporary Allied Objectives of city of St. Martin and Bull Bridge

Battlefield:

Countryside with forests and hedgerows, and a small river in the corner with Bull Bridge crossing it.

Troops:

Allies – 8 Infantry, 4 Armor

Axis – 6 Infantry, 3 Armor, 2 Artillery

Allied Strategy:

1. Big picture strategy is that you can put the pressure on the enemy by both attacking units, and pushing towards the Bull Bridge medal objective. This is only a 5 medal game, so there is not a lot of time for deep strategy. You mainly just have to get into good attacking positions, and take out the enemy.

2. The Axis have two Artillery units and a Mortar Infantry unit. This means they have a lot of range for their attacks. It may be best to hunker down in hedgerows and on hills and wait for the enemy to attack you. Use your Armor to attack the enemy Infantry while you wait.

Axis Strategy

1. Big picture strategy is that you need to defend the town of St. Martin and the Bull Bridge. Historically, the bridge was completely undefended, so you need to get some forces near there to protect it from enemy capture.

2. You have an Infantry Mortar unit. With it you can ignore terrain restrictions and attack anything that comes near you with a range of 3,2,1,1. Use it to defend the town of St. Martin.

Battle Reports

Author:

Link:

Counter-Attack with Assault – or Not?

by GeneralHowitzer | Apr 5, 2025 | 1944, Armor, Artillery, Countryside, Infantry, Medal Objectives, Memoir 44, Smackdown, Special Weapons, Strategic

STRATEGY SMACKDOWN:

Take a look at this situation in the Drive on Caen scenario.

Historically, in 1944, the Allies, through Operation Charnwood, were attempting to take the city of Caen.

In this battle, the Allies have just barraged and taken out the Axis armor in the center section at h6. With the armor out of the way, the Allies have a dominating position in the center.

Axis has just played Assault on the Center, and made a couple of defensive moves with their infantry.

Now an Assault on the Center would be a pretty powerful move for the Allies. They have six units in the center section.

So the question is, do the Allies take advantage of their Counter-Attack card and also play Assault on the Center? Or, would that be a waste of a good counter-attack card? (Since they would not be in a position to do great damage to the enemy.) ?

GeneralHowitzer.com

Mount Pincon

by GeneralHowitzer | Mar 28, 2025 | 1944, Armor, Countryside, Infantry, Medal Objectives, Memoir 44, Scenario, Strategic

Mount Pinçon

“Listen up! In July ‘44, our British allies climbed that Mount Pinçon, the highest ground in Normandy, and they weren’t going to let anything stop them.

That hill was a fortress—machine guns, mortars, and some of the toughest terrain you could imagine. The 43rd Wessex Infantry Division took it step by step, pushing through hedgerows and driving the enemy out of their defenses.

This wasn’t just about one hill—it was about the whole campaign. Taking Mount Pinçon meant commanding the area, opening the door to Falaise and Paris. That’s how you win a fight—you secure the high ground and keep the enemy on the move!”

~~ General Howitzer

6 VP’s

Card Balance:

Allies – 5

Axis – 5

Complexity:

4

Conditions:

Countryside

Context:

Historical

Location:

France

Year:

1944

Theater:

Mediterranean

Campaign:

Normandy

Codename:

Operation Bluecoat

Summary:

Objectives:

6 VP’s, plus the Mount Pincon

Battlefield:

The terrain is covered with trees scattered across field, with the six hexes of Mount Pincon hugging one border.

Troops:

Allies – 8 Infantry, 4 Armor

Axis – 7 Infantry, 3 Armor

Allied Strategy:

1. Historically, the Allies are on the advance and won this battle. So in this scenario, the Allies have one extra armor, and one more Infantry than the Axis. Use your additional strength to push against the enemy forces and put them under extreme pressure.

2. Watch the corridor on your right flank. The enemy has three armor in that section, and you need to get into the forest next to it to defend. If they make it past that corridor, they will decimate your infantry forces in the rear.

Axis Strategy

1. Historically, this is a defensive scenario for the Axis, which is why you begin with one territorial medal already secured, which you must defend. But you can do great damage to the enemy on your left flank with your armor.

2. Be wary of moving your defensive Infantry in the center section, unless you have a tremendous set of attack cards. You must keep at least two units on the hilltop. If the enemy gets a Behind Enemy Lines card, they could destroy an infantry unit, and then lodge on the hill to get an additional medal, so be careful!

Author:

Days of Wonder

Link:

Drive on Caen

by GeneralHowitzer | Feb 23, 2025 | 1944, Armor, Artillery, Countryside, Infantry, Medal Objectives, Memoir 44, Scenario, Tactical, Theater: Western

Drive on Caen

The “Drive on Caen” was a series of battles during the Normandy Campaign in World War II, aimed at capturing the city of Caen in France. This was a key objective for British and Canadian forces following the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. The battle unfolded in multiple phases, including Operations Perch, Epsom, Charnwood, and Goodwood, as the Allies attempted to break through German defenses.

The city of Caen was heavily defended by the German 21st Panzer Division and SS Panzer units, leading to intense urban combat and bombardment. While the British and Canadian forces faced stiff resistance, they gradually secured portions of Caen by mid-July 1944. The battle played a crucial role in drawing German forces away from the U.S. sector, aiding the overall success of Operation Overlord.

“Listen up! The Drive on Caen wasn’t just one fight—it was a whole series of hammer blows aimed at the heart of the German line in Normandy. The British and Canadians were tasked with taking that key city after D-Day, and by God, they were going to get it.

It wasn’t easy—21st Panzer, SS Panzer, and every last German who could hold a rifle was dug in deep. It turned into a meat grinder—street fights, rubble, tanks trading shots at point-blank range. Operations Perch, Epsom, Charnwood, Goodwood—each one was another turn of the screw, breaking those Germans down piece by piece.

By mid-July, they finally cracked Caen open. It didn’t just put that city back on the map for the Allies—it kept Germany’s attention right there, which meant the Americans could make their big breakout in the west.

So remember, boys—it’s not always about speed; it’s about grinding down the enemy, one bloody inch at a time, until they crack! That’s how you win a campaign!”

~~ General Howitzer

5 VP’s

Card Balance:

Allies – 5

Axis – 5

Complexity:

3

Conditions:

Countryside

Context:

Historical

Location:

France

Year:

1944

Theater:

Western Front

Campaign:

Battle of Normandy Campaign

Codename:

Operation Charnwood

Summary:

Objectives:

5 VP’s, plus the objective medals

Battlefield:

Countryside with a few forests

Troops:

Allies – 8 Infantry, 4 Armor, Artillery

Axis – 7 Infantry, 2 Armor, 1 Artillery

Allied Strategy:

1. Big picture strategy for Allies is to make a relentless push towads the town of Caen, which has medal objectives, as you also attack the enemy.

2. Be aware that on your left flank, are Anti-tank equipped Infantry forces. And on your right flank, the enemy has an Artillery. This means, the center section may actually be your best way forward.

Axis Strategy:

1. Big picture strategy for the Axis is that this is primarily a defensive scenario for the Axis as they attempt to prevent the historical push of the Allies toward the city of Caen.

2. The Allies have you outnumbered with armor, but if you put your two Anti-Tank Infantry to good use, you may be able to even the score.

3. You have two Medal Objectives to protect in the city of Caen. Make sure the enemy does not get close enough to capture it.

4. Be careful of moving your Armor into unprotected territory in the center section. The Allies have two armored units which can very quickly attack.

Author:

Days of Wonder

Link:

Pushing Through Caen

by GeneralHowitzer | Jan 24, 2025 | 1944, Armor, Artillery, Countryside, Infantry, Medal Objectives, Memoir 44, Scenario

Pushing Through Caen

The battle for Caen, often referred to as “Pushing Through Caen,” was a key engagement during the Allied invasion of Normandy in World War II, taking place between June and August 1944. The city of Caen was a strategic objective for the Allies due to its road networks and its importance to German defenses in the region.

Initially targeted to be captured on D-Day (June 6, 1944) by British and Canadian forces, heavy German resistance, including elite Panzer divisions, delayed the city’s capture. The fighting around Caen involved multiple operations, such as Operation Perch, Epsom, Charnwood, and Goodwood, which aimed to break through German defenses and secure the city.

General Howitzer’s summary:

Caen turned into a meat grinder—street-by-street brawls and bombing runs leveled the place, but the Allies hammered through and took the city by mid-July. That win locked down our eastern flank, shoved the Germans back, and opened the gates for the breakout at Normandy. One more step on the road to crushing them for good.

5 VP’s

Card Balance:

Allies – 6

Axis – 4

Complexity:

3

Conditions:

Countryside

Codename:

Operation Atlantic

Context:

Historical

Location:

France

Date:

June 18-21, 1944

Theater:

Western Front

Campaign:

Normandy Campaign

Summary:

Objectives:

5 VP’s, plus Verrieres Ridge for the Allies

Terrain:

The battlefield is scattered with hills, towns, hedgerows, and forests.

Troops:

Allies – 10 Infantry, 3 Armor

Axis – 9 Infantry, 1 Armor, 1 Artillery

Allied Strategy:

1. Get your forces across the Orne River as quickly as possible. Behind the river, you are sitting ducks; across the river, you will have battlefield movement.

Axis Strategy:

1. You need to get your armor and artillery into the fight as quickly as possible, while the Allies are still on the other side of the Orne River. Your artillery will need to be moved one hex row forward so that you can breach the river with your shells. Your armor needs to move forward to attack the enemy armor while it is still behind the river.

Classic DoW Battle Reports: Allies win 36% of the time

Author:

Campaign Book, Vol. 1

Link: