Schwammenauel Dam
Schwammenauel Dam
SchwamDam_center
SchwamDam_Dam1
SchwamDam_full
SchwamDam_left
SchwamDam_right
Historical Summary
We didn’t fight our way to the Schwammenauel Dam for scenery — we took it because it was choking our advance. The Germans thought they could hold the Roer hostage by flooding the valley and buying themselves time. That was a mistake. American infantry went in, took that dam under fire, and shut the valve on German delay tactics. Once the dam was secured, Operation Grenade could roll forward without interference, and the Roer was crossed on our terms. That action tore down the last real barrier in the Rhineland and put our armies back on the march straight into the heart of Germany — exactly where we intended to go.
~~ General Howitzer
VP’s:
5
Card Balance:
Allies – 5
Axis – 5
Complexity:
4
Conditions:
Mountains & Countryside
Location:
Germany
Year:
1945
Theater:
Western Front
Campaign:
Allied Rhineland Campaign
Summary
This is an exciting scenario with some unique features which recreate actual events on the battlefield in 1945.
Objective:
Six Medals will win, but the principle objective for the Allies is to preserve the two dams, Schwammenauel and Urft. Should either of them get successfully sabotaged by the Germans, and the Allies will likely lose the scenario.
Battlefield:
It is rugged mountainous terrain encircled by a river, mountains, and forests, with a dam at either end of the River Roer.
Troops:
Allies: 10 Infantry, 2 Armor
Axis: 8 Infantry
Special Rules:
Sabotaging a Dam – each of the two dams require a total of 4 stars to be destroyed. At the start of every turn, no matter what cards they hold in their hand, the Axis player rolls two dice, one of each dam. However, the dice will only count and apply to a dam if an Axis unit is on the actual dam hex. For each Star rolled, if the dam is occupied by Axis forces, a star icon is placed on that dam. Once a total of four stars accrue, the dam is destroyed, and the Axis player receives 4! victory medals per dam.
🔥 Winning as Allies
1. Big Picture Strategy: Destroy the enemy or capture the dams before they are sabotaged. Your best option, historically is to capture the Urft Dam first.
2. You have two Armor units, but given the rugged terrain, they will be almost useless to you. If you waste your time trying to get them out from behind the mountain, you will be giving the Axis time to sabotage the dam.
3. Your paratroopers have landed in a dangerous spot, pressed up against the mountain wall as they are. Move them forward to attack ASAP, before they are destroyed.
4. Your right flank is your strongest at the start. Move quickly forward to overwhelm the enemy and secure the Urft Dam.
🔥 Winning as Axis
1. Big Picture Strategy: the goal is to delay the Allies (delaying tactics) as long as possible so that you can blow the dam(s). This will take at least four turns, but in reality, much longer. If you successfully sabotage one dam, (worth 4 medals!), you only need to take out one other Allied unit to win. Should you blow both dams, you are guaranteed a win. (Historically, the Germans were able to blow the discharge valves of the Schwammenauel Dam and flood the Roer River.
2. The Dam provides no battle protection. The only reason to stay on the hex is to attempt to sabotage the dame. But once the Allies get close, keep some forces in the woods to attack and slow down the enemy.
3. The Allied Paratroopers are easy prey, backed up against the mountain. Take them out quickly before they can attack your forces in the town of Kommerscheit.
Author:
Days of Wonder
URL
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