One of a Kind
June 2001
Saturday, June 30, 2001
One of a Kind
Between turns, this came from Mr. Dorosh:
"There is a new scenario by ASL Veteran at CANUCK - Shambles, depicting the actions of a battlegroup from the South Alberta Regiment and Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada at St. Lambert sur Dives in August 1944, during the fight to close the Falaise Gap. This action won Marjor D.V. Currie the Victoria Cross - the only member of the Canadian Armoured Corps ever to be so honoured."
July 1, 1940
Sea War, Atlantic-
The "Happy Time" begins for U-boat crews as their operational range is increased now that they have bases in French ports. This lasts until October. U-boat crews inflict serious losses on Allied convoys.
Mods 'R' Us
Tom just keep sending the good stuff:
" TCMHQ presents a cornupia of goodies for the modsluts: get a winterized version of the US Chaffee tank (designed by Daedalus) from the "Allied Armor" mod section and take a look at Tiger´s Mine Markers in the "Buildings" section. In the same section you´ll find Tom´s new Barbed Wire Hi-Res mod (including several variations) and his latest Field Path road mod. Move on to the "Terrain" pages: there you can check out three new subdued grass mods (two of those still in beta status, but I guess it´s worth a look). Finally check out the latest semi-historical scenario "Haut Vents-King of the Hill" in the "France 1944" scenario section."
Another Gem
Kinch has another update ready:
"The Military Gamer's Combat Mission area has been updated with a new Boots and Tracks tested battle by Wild Bill.
So head on over to get the newest masterpiece from one of
you favorite design teams."
June 30, 1940
Western Front, Channel Islands-
Germany invades the channel islands. This is the only British territory occupied during hostilities.
Friday, June 29, 2001
The Next Big Thing
Manx has been very busy indeed:
"Quite a big gap since the last update (six days is a record for me, what with me usually being a "Serial Updater" and all) and so to make up for this, i have spent a fair amount of time tonight getting this lot together. There's a fair selection of mods for you, as well as NINE brand new scenarios!...As always, thanks to the good people who have taken time to send in this stuff, and remember -- if you enjoy their work, tell them so!
MODS
1.) - Waffen SS Uniforms, by Andrew Fox
2.) - Rough Terrain, by DRD
3.) - Heer Uniforms, by Lord General MB
3.) - Heer Face Portrait, by Paul "Martyr" Roberts
SCENARIOS
1.) - "Bootprints", by Dick Reece
2.) - "The Old Mill Polka", by Dick Reece
3.) - "The Seigfried Line", by Rives Jones
4.) - "Scotland Forever", by Ragnar Blackmane
5.) - "Rhine Strike", by Ethan W. Logue
6.) - "Town and Country", by Ethan W. Logue
7.) - "Indian Fighting", (Version 2.0), by Keith Schur
8.) - "Debut of the Jagdtiger", (Version 2.0), by Keith Schur
9. )- "Victor South", (Version 1.1), by Clubfoot
Manx - Out!"
Maps and More!
The word from Moon is:
"BIG NEWS! Finally found a way to provide the US folks with an easy and safe way to order topo maps with the help of PayPal.com - all you need is a credit card! Now it's possible to order single maps even without the hassle and the high international money transfer costs! Cool? Check out the MAPS section. I'm not finished with all the links yet, but it should be done over the weekend.
Also - I am going to restructure the site a little over the next couple of weeks. The Goodies section is already cleaned - I'm leaving Mods to those folks that do it best, but will reopen the section with something bigger, badder, and never seen before - an Interactive CM Campaign. Check back soon for more on this.
Ah, and finally I have come around to finish that Kall scenario mentioned earlier. Smoothing out a few rough edges right now, so look for it in the BATTLES section sometime next week."
June 29, 1941
Politics, Soviet Union-
Joseph Stalin assumes control of the federation's Defense Ministry and appoints a five-man council of defense.
Thursday, June 28, 2001
Still Hummin' Along
Stryker has surfaced again:
"Thought I'd drop a line to Ted and the rest of you to let you know what's been going on here at Band of Brothers. We're just shy of 140 members which is excellent considering the club has only been active since April 19th.
The big news this week is that thanks to Gustra (one of our members) we started using our automatic AAR reporting program. It enables members to enter the results of their battles and then automatically update all our stats and rankings!! This has not only freed up a lot of time for me but makes reporting battles a breeze and eliminates nearly all possibilty for human error.
We currently have three tournaments running with a fourth to start soon. Along with the tournaments we have the Top Squad competition set to begin in mid July. Top Squad is a handicaped team competition involving squads of 4 club members with each squad being randomly assigned to the Axis or Allied side. Then all the German squads will play all the Allied squads in a sort of round robin tournament with the top German and top Allied squad squaring off in the end for the title of Top Squad. There's a little more to it than this so if you want to know more please check out our site.
Another competition in the wings is the U.S. vs World team competiton being set up by Cogust. It will pit the top U.S. members of the club against the top non-U.S. members in a sort of CM Ryder Cup. Cogust is still working on the details but it should be a lot of fun.
Finally, the Winter's Storm campaign is going well and nearing the end of the fourth turn. Both sides are playing well and it's far too close to call right now.
That's it in a nutshell. I want to thank the Band of Brothers members for making the club as much fun as it is and a special thanks to those members pitching in with their own ideas and running their own tournaments and special competitions. I also want to invite any of you who aren't members to stop by the site and check us out. If you like what you see then join up with us. The only requirement is that you have to want to have fun!!
Stryker - Band of Brothers Webmaster"
The Cat Gets a New Coat
Scipio just keeps on bringin' it:
"We have an excellent Panther G mod with Zimmerit coating, made by Malfunkt, in the WarfareHQ mod section. Download at WarfareHQ."
June 28, 1942
Eastern Front, Ukraine-
Germany launches its summer offensive, with its Army Group South attacking east from Kursk toward Voronezh, which falls nine days later.
Wednesday, June 27, 2001
June 27, 1941
Politics, Hungary-
The government declares war on the Soviet Union.
Tuesday, June 26, 2001
Sounds Good to Me
Scipio, the perfectionist, has this to add:
"I noticed that my last rifle sound mod sounded like shit from a distance. It doesn't even sound like a carbine! I made a new, more 'traditional' sound for the rifles. It's included in the 'Infantry Weapons' package. Download it at WarfareHQ!"
He's Out of Control!
Spike, the man who never rests, just sent this over:
"A small update today!!
Added some scenarios that you just have to download and play!
Terence Nelan emailed me the following scenarios:
Canyon of Doom
Hold on at Tourmauville
You can find them in the scenario pages.
Also added some scenarios to the Playtesters page:
The Seigfreid Line by Rives Jones
Death Ride of the Panzers by Mr. Johnson
Beyond Bolero by Joseph Miller
Please give these Authors some feed back on their scenarios!!!
Thanks,
Spike...Out!"
June 26, 1940
Politics, Romania-
The government agrees to the Soviet occupation of Bessarabia and northern Bukovina, although Romanian troops attempt to halt the Red Army when it enters the country.
Monday, June 25, 2001
Nothing Left to Do!
Spike sent over this great news:
"Hello everyone!
Well, I am happy to report that the operations are done as well!!!!
Instead of breaking them up alphabetically, I decided to put them on one page! There are not that many of them. I have added downloadable forms on the Ops and Scenario pages. If you want to submit a scenario or op, please fill out this form and send along with the zip! This will speed up the process of adding scenarios and ops for me! Thanks for all your visits and kind emails. I have added a guestbook on the site as well. If you have time please stop by and fill it out! Thanks a lot, everyone!
Spike...Out!"
Back to the Action
This just arrived from Holst/BlackIce:
"The Campaign Site is back online. Whoever wants to be General Patton should drop me a line! We are still looking for players. There are two new CM 2 pictures on the net. You should check them out; they are fantastic! They are, of course, on the CMHQ site and a link to the preview with a cool picture of 2 ISU-152.
__________________________________________________________
Die Campaign-Seite ist wieder online. Wer den General Patton ьbernehmen will, sollte sich bei mir melden! Es werden noch Spieler gesucht! Es sind neue CM 2 Bilder im Netz! Sollte man sich reinziehen! Sind Super! Natьrlich auf der HQ-Seite und ein Link zum Preview mit einem coolen Bild von 2 JSU 152!"
And Another Thing!
Mr. Dorosh is at it again:
"A new scenario for CANUCK, specially designed for use with Clubfoot's beach terrain mods, (available at COMBAT MISSIONS) Deja Vu depicts the assault landing of "B" Company, Royal Winnipeg Rifles on D-Day."
A Little Help, Please!
Panzerman says:
"Yesterday, I started working on the operation for the Normandy scenario Pack; It's called "Last Battle of Cean." I will be posting more info on the Normandy scenario Pack over the next week or two. Finding historical information on the battles in Normandy other than D-Day is hard. If you can point out some info on the battles email me at the address given on the "About" page at The Secnario Zone.
Rob "Panzerman" Disney"
A Little Bit of Everything
Michael is da man:
"CANUCK has just added the "Battle Jerkin," or "D-Day Assault Vest," to the list of available mods for Canadian Uniforms. Clubfoot's excellent terrain mods for Utah Beach will no doubt inspire a round of D-Day scenarios; the jerkin will let your Canadian and British troops land in style.
Soon to come is a D-Day landing scenario involving the Royal Winnipeg Rifles.
Also recently added to the site is one scenario - Adriatic Barricade - a tiny one featuring two platoon-sized patrols wandering No Man's Land on the Riccio River Valley front in the winter of 1943-44 in Italy."
Out with the Old, In with the New
Dibbler is starting over:
"'Mission: Combat' is no more! But do not fear! :-)
In it's place a new CMBO fansite has arisen!
'Dibbler's CMBO Crypt'
- Anders "Dibbler" Ström"
June 25, 1942
Politics, United States-
Major General Dwight D. Eisenhower assumes command of US forces in Europe.
June 24, 1940
Politics, France-
After Italy's armistice with France, a cease-fire occurs on all fronts. French caualties since May 10 total more than 85,000 men, the British lose 3475 men, and German loses reach 27,074.
While Petain's regime will collaborate with Nazi Germany, the French army officer Brigadier General Charles de Gaulle is broadcasting his opposition from London with pledges to liberate the country.
Saturday, June 23, 2001
TOMMY: Just a Mirage?
Michael Dorosh is venturing into new ground:
"Two new Battles for Tommy; the site's first DFDR scenarios. Two conversions of infantry-only night battles; A Good Party from ASL Annual 93a, and Fort McGregor from the WOA module. These will also work, of course, in "standard" Combat Mission, but were designed especially with the DFDR mod in mind.
DFDR's direct link is here."
There's Good News and Bad News
This just in from Scipio:
"I closed Scipio Base, all my sound mods are now available at WarfareHQ. Much more important: I added a lot of new sounds for rifles, MPs, Pistol, tankfire...
Enjoy!"
June 23, 1944
Eastern Front, Belorussia-
The Red Army launches its Belorussian offensive. Four Fronts - 1st Baltic, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Belorussian, comprising 1.2 million men in all - attack the German divisions of Army Group Center. The Soviets have a four-to-one superiority in tanks and aircraft.
Friday, June 22, 2001
The More, the Merrier
This just arrived from Yobobo:
"We filled group 32a within about 24 hours and round one is under way. The second group (32b) was a little slower in signing, so we have extended the sign-ups until this Wednesday.
Round one will also start for 32b this Wednesday. BTS has very kindly donated some of those great tank prints for the winners! Group 32b sign-up here.
Group 32a bracket here.
Should be great fun, our chat has been full all week and tonight we should have 20 or more players battling it out."
It's Getting Hard to See in Here
Scipio just sent this over:
"I added a bit of glow and fire to Nathan Shinn's excellent black smoke mod. This is available eclusively WarfareHQ. Enjoy!"
Me Too!
Well, it looks like the CMHQ offices will be quiet for a while. Like the shiny-headed one, I am off for a week of vacation. Unlike certain webmasters whose names will not be revealed, I shall be continuing with the updates. So, don't worry; the site will not sit idle (like it did before a certain News Editor arrived, but that's another story altogether). :-)
See you all on the flip side!
The World According to Charles
GameSpot recently posted an interview with Charles Moylan. Yes, THAT Charles Moylan. So, for those of you that may have missed it, I’ll try to hit the high points for you. Right off the bat, this interview is four pages long and contains three screen shots. So, you’ll find a significant amount of material here.
The introduction does a good job of describing what Combat Mission is. That’s a good thing for those two or three readers that don’t know. ;-)
Next, the reader can find a summary of key features for CM2 including the time period covered in the game, the terrain used, unit availability, and the nations whose combatants are involved. More specific information is provided about the concept of “fitness” with regard to infantry. Also, infantry units will be involved in “improved” urban combat, including the sewers of Stalingrad!
Not to be outdone by the grunts, AFVs are discussed in even greater depth. Specifically, there will be approximately 300 involved in CM2! Further, captured AFVs will be included as well as some rather “unique” units like the SturmTiger. Minor country AFVs will make appearances as well.
Charles also discusses a couple AFV-related topics in greater detail. First, he explains how the chance of an AFV becoming bogged will be different in CM2 than it is in CM1. Second, he provides more details about how AFVs will be affected by command-and-control issues.
Also, there will be a handful of new orders for players to issue to their virtual troops. These orders include “Move to Contact,” “Assault,” “Human Wave,” “Hull Down,” and “Cover Arc.”
Finally, Charles makes mention of improved graphics for CM2.
If you would like to read the entire article, click here.
Thursday, June 21, 2001
A Hot Topic
If you're looking for some information from BTS about optics and MG comparisons, click here.
June 22, 1941
Eastern Front, Soviet Union-
Germany launches Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union, with three million men divided into three army groups along a 2000-mile (3200-km) front. Hitler aims to achieve a speedy victory to destroy the Red Army before the summer ends and the Soviets can mobilize their immense resources. Army Group North, under Field Marshal Wilhelm Ritter von Leeb, strikes toward the Baltic and Leningrad. Army Group Center, under Field Marshal Fedor von Bock, aims to take Smolensk and then Moscow, and destroy communications. Army Group South, under General Gerd von Rundstedt, advances toward the Ukraine and the Caucasus.
Soviet forces are caught by surprise and lose a series of battles along the frontier. German air attacks quickly destroy 1800 Soviet aircraft on the ground. German forces make rapid progress in the north and center but meet stiffening resistance in the south.
He's baaaaack...
Just when you thought he'd gone into hiding, Spike springs back to life:
"Hello everyone. I know I told everyone that I would take a break. However, I just can't seem to leave it alone!! Got three scenarios that need some testing and feedback. These I posted on the playtester page for everyone:
Battle for Putot-en-Bessin
Jagdpanther Ambush
Saving Private Ryan
Please give the author, Tom Grace, some feedback! Also archived a scenario by Keith Loh entitled:
Ghrime City
This one kind of slipped through the cracks, and I recenly was cleaning up my inbox and discovered it! So, hopefully everyone enjoys the new scenarios on the site. Please give the authors a little feedback. Thanks a lot!!
Spike...Out!"
Fresh Meat!
Mike just keeps on brinin' it:
"Another ASL conversion for CANUCK: Hill 67 portrays a counterattack by German forces on the newly-arrived Calgary Highlanders of the Second Canadian Division in July 1944. A night action in mostly rural terrain."
Wednesday, June 20, 2001
June 21, 1942
Africa, Libya-
Following the Allied withdrawal into Egypt, the Tobruk garrison suddenly falls following German land and air attacks. Some 30,000 men, rations, and fuel are seized. Newly-promoted Field Marshal Erwin Rommel continues chasing the retreating Allies, taking Mersa Matruh on the 28th. General Sir Claude Auchinleck, British Middle East commander, takes personal charge of the Eighth Army and establishes a fortified line. This runs inland for 40 miles (64 km) from El Alamein on the coast to the impassable Quattara Depression. Rommel fails to penetrate the position and the front stabilizes as his lines of supply in the Mediterranean are being strained by British air and sea attacks, assisted by intelligence from codebreaking.
I Am Outa Here!
Well the time has come my friends for me to leave. Now settle down you miscreants, I will be back! I am just going on vacation! I will be back next week so until then you will just have to get your Mod fix from one of the other excellent sites that are available to you.
While I am away SuperTed will be continuing his great job of keeping the page nice and fresh with news.
Now then, I couldn't leave without a parting gift. So to tide you over here are 4 new CM2 pics above. Please realize that these pics (like the ones that proceeded it) are very much works in progress and do not necessarily represent the finished product. In fact Dan tells me that the T-34 shown as already gotten a rather extensive facelift from what you see.
So, while I am sitting on a Caribbean beach with half naked chick at my side and Raul the cabana boy applying a thin sheen of cool soothing salve to my sunburned bald head, you can rest assured that I will be thinking of each and every one of you.... LOSERS!!!!
Bye!
Madmatt
Wardog Tourney Marches Forward
Johnno's keepin' it fresh:
"Thanks to everyone for their interest so far in the new Dogs of War Online Players Club tournament. Signup started yesterday and already 28 members have joined up for the tournament and others are packing over there to become dogs themselves and join in the fray. The tournament is open to club members only. However, membership is still open and new combatants are flocking in. If you wnat to become a member and join the new tournament head over to the Dogs of War and join up today and get in on the Wardog Tournament as well.
Thanks to everyone that has visited and voted for the Picture of the Week contest that we have at the Dogs of War. If you haven't yet please come by and look them over and vote for what you think the best picture is. Every two weeks a new winner will be announced through the voting polls and the picture will be made into a intro MOD for the CM game.
The club is desperately in need of a automated system or ladder where members could report their games for win, draw, loss and points. Currently it's done manually and is getting to be a little too much to handle for the webmaster. If you know of a way to help automate a system please help the webmaster by emailing him."
Another One from That Game
More good stuff from Calgary:
"Another ASL conversion at TOMMY; the scenario Triangle of Buggers, found on one of the many ASL fan sites on the web, originally by Jeff Allen, has been converted for Combat Mission. It features a company of Seaforth Highlanders trying to fight their way through a spruce forest in July 1944
Direct link to my scenarios page is http://members.home.net/madorosh/britscenarios.htm"
Now I Know My ABCs
Spike has a big announcement:
"Hello Everyone:
Well tonight is a great night...I have completed all the letters of the alphabet. A thru Z baby!!! Lots of scenarios now available to everyone in the CM community. Soon I will begin on the ops!!
Spike out!"
Tuesday, June 19, 2001
Another ASL Gem
Michael D. is hard at work, as usual:
"Another ASL conversion at CANUCK; the scenario Melfa Bridgehead, found on one of the many ASL fan sites on the web, originally by Brent Pollock, has been converted for Combat Mission. It features a company of the Westminster Regiment (whose commanding officer, JK Mahoney, earned the Victoria Cross for this action) defended a bridgehead on the Melfa River against a German combined arms counterattack. Terrain is wide open with some olive groves and little else.
Direct link to my scenarios page is http://members.home.net/madorosh/scenarios.htm"
June 20, 1940
Politics, United States-
Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt appoints two anti-isolationist Republicans to his cabinet. Henry Stimson becomes secretary for war and Frank Knox is appointed secretary for the navy.
Is Aizier Near Toulon?
Magnus' carrier pigeon finally arrived:
"I finally found some time to upload a new operation called Aizier (a little town next to the Seine). You can download it in our "Scenarios" section.
After the fall of Falaise, Germans are in full retreat and heading to
the Siegfried line. But they must first cross the Seine and because of Allied bombers all bridges from Caen to Le Havre have been destroyed. Aizier is the last chance for many Germans to cross the Seine before they are definitely trapped....
This operation is of "Advance" type with 5 battles of 15 turns each."
Can You Tell Me How to Get to Toulon?
Spike just keeps adding to the list:
"Berlichtingen and his friends at Der Kessel have been busy. I have the new and updated scenarios from them at "The Archive." The scenarios are:
Blood on the Vine
Charge to Glory
Fatherland
Holiday in the Country
Le Camp Crossroads
Liberation of Hyeres
Liberation of Toulon
Road to Toulon
Sollies-Ville
Toulon Nightlife
and coming soon....
Village les Moulins
To the Last Man
Also a new scenario on the playterster page:
Philippsbourg by Steve Dixon
Come to the Archive and check out all of these masterpieces!!!!
Spike out!"
You're Looking a Little Pale...
Out of the desert comes the latest:
"Just got the first in a series of 'Pale Packs' from AussieJeff. These packs will retool most of the terrain and vehicles in a lighter, more dusty color.
The first pack contains a large batch of Allied vehicles, terrains, and tweaked skies. It weighs in at just over 9 meg. Come and get it.
Clubfoot."
A Few Small Repairs
DraGoon has some good news:
"Some folks have reported CRC errors when unzipping files 4 and 6 of Magua's Scenery. Both files have been recompressed and new versions uploaded as of 17:30 GMT Sunday. Hopefully this will cure any future errors while unzipping these files. You do not need these files if you did not experience any CRC errors whilst unzipping in the first place.
Magua's Scenery has been very well received by CM Fans. The concept marks a major step forward in the portrayal of realistic scenery for the season and location of CMBO battles. Magua is to be congratulated for both the generation and execution of this concept.
DG"
To Normandy!
Rob is working on some good stuff:
"Over the last few days I have been working on the first few scenarios for the Normandy Scenario Pack. Why am I making a Normandy scenario pack, you ask; because of Magua's Normandy mod! It will be made up of 12 scenarios starting on D-Day +1 all the way to D-Day +90. I may add an operation or two depending on how long it takes to make the pack and get historical informantion together and stuff like that.
Rob "Panzerman" Disney"
Monday, June 18, 2001
You Wanna Start Somethin'?
Johnno is back in action:
"Dogs of War Online Players club will be hosting it's 9th tournament starting next weekend. The Wardog tournament, a single elimination tournament, will be open to members of the club only. The good news is that the Dogs of War online club is still accepting new members so if you join right away you should have no problem getting into the tournament. The tournament will have rounds lasting a maximum of 28 days or 4 weeks and will be played on maps of the tournament creator's design; all unique. Each set-up will be a little different and will allow you to choose from 1 to 3 pre-set forces depending on which side you are. All of the battles will be meeting engagements and battles will be 24 turns in length.
The Picture of the week at the Dogs of War website is back in the running. Please come by and view the pictures and vote for your favorite. Every two weeks a winner will be announced and the picture will be made into a mod for the introduction picture of Combat Mission. If you grow tired of the old picture for the intro, vote for the Picture of the week and then add it to your bmp section once it wins and becomes a mod.
Vote for the Picture of the Week in the gallery."
June 19, 1944
Pacific, Philippine Sea-
On hearing of the US assault on Saipan, the Japanese Combined Fleet, under Admiral Jisaburo Ozawa, puts to sea immediately with five heavy and four light carriers, five battleships, 11 heavy and two light cruisers, and 28 destroyers. The US 5th Fleet, under Admiral Marc Mitscher's tactical command, numbers seven heavy and eight light carriers, eight heavy and 13 light cruisers, and 69 destroyers. Aircraft on either side total 573 Japanese (including 100 based on Guam, Rota, and Yap) and 956 American.
Ozawa's search planes locate the 5th Fleet at daybreak, 300 miles (480 km) from his advance element of four light carriers and 500 miles (800 km) from his main body. Ozawa launches an attack in four waves, while Mitscher, on discovering the enemy aircraft, sends out his interceptors.
Disaster strikes Ozawa immediately, for US submarines sink the carriers Taiho and Shokaku, and US fighters shoot down many of his aircraft. In the Battle of the Philippine Sea, nicknamed the "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot" by the Americans, the Japanese lose 346 aircraft and two carriers. US losses are 30 aircraft and slight damage to a battleship. Meanwhile, Mitscher's bombers neutralize the Japanese airfields on Guam and Rota.
A New Tourney!
The big news is:
"T-House CM TOURNEY!
Combat Mission TCP/IP Challenge
Prizes!
1 game per week!
Innovative "bid for parameters" feature ensures fairness for BMs!
Starts This Wednesday!
SIGN UP NOW!
http://tournamenthouse.com/tourney/CM/index.shtml"
Summer Breeze...
Tom's got another one:
"Andrew Fox has updated his Waffen SS Uniform mod with a new summer cammo version. Download the new files at the "Faces & Uniforms" pages from the TCMHQ mod sites."
Busy, Busy, Busy...
Rob seems to have his hands full:
"We have been totally overwhelmed with scenarios to test! Due to this I would like to ask that if you have any scenarios you want to send us, hold onto them for another week or two as we are working on 65 scenarios for a total conversion of a CM mod! I am not it charge of it so I can't say anything more about it. So don't ask!
Also the first scenario to be done by The Scenario Design Team, "Juno
Bridge," is ready! I will be posting on the web site sometime in the next two or three days.
Rob "Panzerman" Disney"
Swamp Thing
Tom seems to be stuck in the mud:
"TCMHQ announces Ed Kinnley´s new hi-res marsh mod, together with a modified version of Tom´s old "Swamp & Brook" mod. Both files can be found on the "Terrain" pages of the mod section."
June 18, 1942
Politics, Allies-
At the second Washington Conference in the United States, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and US President Franklin D. Roosevelt try to agree on a strategy in Europe for 1942-43. Conditions appear unsuitable for a "Second Front" in France, so Churchill proposes a North Africa invasion. In July, Roosevelt accepts that Europe cannot yet be attacked and agrees to Churchill's North Africa option, later code-named Operation Torch. Cooperation in nuclear research is also agreed on.
Air War, Germany
Britain launches a "1000 Bomber" raid on Bremen.
Sunday, June 17, 2001
June 17, 1941
Politics, Germany-
Adolf Hitler decides to launch Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union, on June 22. He has an extreme hatred of the Slav people and the Communism that rules them. Hitler aims to enslave the "inferior" Slav peoples, exploit their resources, and occupy their lands as part of his Lebensraum ("living space") policy for the Aryan race.
Saturday, June 16, 2001
Saturday Evening CMHQ Update...
There is lots of buzz around the web these days about CM2 and I just wanted to let you all know that there is bigger and better coming and you can always count on CMHQ to give the scoops first and foremost.
For tonight, how 'bout we indulge in a little Mod and Feature excess?!?
Lets get to it.
Right out of the gate we hit you hard with the latest Panther Mods from Fernando. Today he has added a Mono color Panther A as well as Tri-Color and Ambush Pattern Panther G's (Early and Late models). He has also included a option pack for his earlier Mono color Panther G which we posted last week.
We follow up that with a full set of Plain and Full Pack M8 Greyhound and M20 Mods. Summer and Winter textures are included as are various optional files. You can thank Marco Bergman for this latest offering of goodness.
If you have been around the Forum than you might have seen SurlyBens newest set of Replacement Skies. We now have them here for you to peruse and download.
Been lots of nice smoke mods lately and tonight we have another new one which gives the smoke a nice beefy 3D appearance.
And we round out the night with a taste of evil from Rune. His latest "Totally Runed" scenario pack is an assemblage of all nine of his early work's of sheer madness. If you think you are good at Combat Mission but haven't yet played a Rune created battle, than you don't know jack!
So that's about all, enjoy yourselves and I will catch you next week!
Another Peek!
Well, the press is really getting geared up for Combat Mission 2. The July, 2001 issue of Computer Games magazine contains a preview article that will whet your appetite for CM2. The article is on pages 60-62 and is supplemented with two very impressive screen shots. Running a little longer than the article in Computer Gaming World (see CMHQ news entry for 6/14/01), this preview has a little bit of everything in it.
First, the new-and-improved interface is discussed. Details about the “gun rack,” customizable “hierarchical military structures,” the physical fitness rating, and a “graphical display of armor strength” can be found in these paragraphs. The two screen shots contain views of the new interface and a few samples of units. Second, the concept of “relative spotting” is covered in detail. Third, the introduction of command-and-control for tanks is explained. Fourth, a mention is given to optional vehicle morale. Fifth, several other new/improved features are also briefly noted. These include buildings, trenches, and field telephones.
The writers at Computer Games also provide information of a more mundane nature. For example, the game’s time period, the troops’ nationalities, video card requirements/suggestions, and the number of CDs needed to hold CM2 can be found throughout the article.
So, if you have not already gotten your copy, what are you waiting for?!
It's a First!
Word from Scipio:
"I completed my first graphical mod. It's a Splinter-43 Cammo smock for Axis Army & Gebirgsjäger units.
It's downloadable at WarfareHQ.
Cheers"
Do You, DraGoon, Take Manx to Be Your Lawfully...
DraGoon just fired this BIG story across the Atlantic:
"Major changes afoot this month. We are very happy to announce that CM Outpost and Combat Missions are joining forces to combine our efforts to bring you mods, reviews, and drool-inducing previews. Both sites will retain their identities; Combat Missions will continue to bring you the mods and all the other services Manx provides so well and CM Outpost will provide comparisons of the mods and will return to teasing you with snapshots of forthcoming mods, provided by the mod authors and their test teams.
To cement the combination of the two sites, we are very proud to be allowed to offer a very special mod, jointly hosted by the two sites. Magua has completed version 1 of his new Normandy Terrain. This Mod amounts to about 20mb (if you are a total mod slut and want both bright and subdued versions) and is split over 7 files. As a result we have divided the files over both sites to allow the bandwidth to be shared and hopefully keep both sites up during the expected feeding frenzy. We have a standby plan in case either should have difficulties. Time will tell if it works.
Enough waffling! To get to the files go here:
http://www.afv-uk.net/cmoutpost/Terrain/Magua/magua_normandy.htm
http://www.combat-missions.net/
I would like to express my thanks to Magua and Manx for helping make this possible.
DG"
Friday, June 15, 2001
Return of the Cool One
Better late than never:
"TCMHQ from now on will host Collin "CoolCoJ" Chung´s mods (Lynx, Tiger, Flags, etc.). These mods will be published on this weekend. Also check out Ed Kinney´s great new winterized wooden Bunker (hi-res baby!) in the "Buildings" section."
June 16, 1944
Far East, Burma-
The 22nd Division, part of Lieutenant General Joseph Stilwell's Chinese force, has taken Kamaing, the first of his three objectives - the others being Moguang and Myitkyina.
From Manx's HD to Yours
Manx has another one:
"Managed to find some time to get some of the mods & scenarios that have been building up on my HD published. Here's a quick run-down of what you can find in our latest update:
MODS
1. - White-washed Winter Allied Trucks - Gordon Molek, Maximus, Rick Klein
2. - Jagdpanther - Anders Strom
SCENARIOS
1. - "Gotterdammerung - The Assault on Cologne" - Eric Martucci
2. - "Rhine on the Run" - Napoleon1944
3. - "Road to Luneville" - Andy Thomas
4. - "Dansengarten" - Niles Hirschi
5. - "Road to Bremen" - Niles Hirschi
6. - "Pourville" - Olivier Gosset
Thanks to all the above for taking the time to submit their work - Enjoy!"
Thursday, June 14, 2001
June 15, 1944
Pacific, Marianas-
The US Northern Attack Force arrives off Saipan. In response, The Japanese Combined Fleet is ordered to gather. On the island itself, landings are conducted on the west coast by the US 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions.
Air War, Japan-
The iron and steel works at Yahata on the mainland is bombed by B-29s of the US 20th Army Air Force, which is operating from bases in China.
Beach with a View
Rob sent over this update:
"A picture from the scenario Juno Beach has been added to the page. If you want to check that out it is near the bottom of the page. In other news the scenario is almost ready. Most likely it will be ready sometime tomorrow. Just a few little tweaks and it will be ready for downloading.
Rob "Panzerman" Disney"
Wednesday, June 13, 2001
Take a Peek!
Just in case you missed it, the July, 2001 issue of Computer Gaming World contains a preview of Combat Mission 2. It is only one page long and can be found on page 71 of the magazine. The page contains a series of screen shots featuring a "mod-enhanced explosion," a sample of some "furry faces," and a real nice-looking T-34 at the top of the page.
The actual article is very short, running only nine paragraphs. But, in those nine paragraphs, a reader can find some very tasty little bits. For example, urban battles, new building architecture, and Stalingrad's sewer system are mentioned. The article also contains references to CM2's command model, unit availability, and a complete graphics overhaul!
So, if you get a chance to pick up a copy of this magazine, open up to page 71 immediately! You WILL be pleased.
June 14, 1940
Sea War, Mediterranean-
The French Navy bombards the ports of Genoa and Vado. British air raids are also made on Turin and Genoa. Libyan and East African airfields are raided.
Look! Up in the Sky! It's a.....Sky!
Tom sent over this mid-week update:
"Toms Combat Mission HQ has published a great new sky replacement mod package designed by Mr. Ben J. Bittner. This collection consists of 20 new photorealistic (!) bitmaps (seperate low- and hi-res versions
included). There are 8 blue skies (including one with no clouds at all), 6 dawns, and 6 overcast. You can get it from the "Terrain" section of the TCMHQ mod pages (11 MB download). This mod is a great piece of art and changes the visual impression of CM dramatically."
Tuesday, June 12, 2001
What a Pair!
Fresh from the desert:
"AussieJeff's new ShermanII and Firefly mods are up at DFDR.net.
Keep an eye out for Jeff's upcoming "pale" mods for both the open ground Tunisian terrain as well as his vehicle, AFV's, and field gun mods. This will bring a more accurate visual depiction of the ghostly, greyish-white coloration of... well, of everything involved in the dry, dust-swathed North African campaign. Get out your goggles!
Clubfoot."
June 13, 1940
Politics, United States-
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs a $1.3 billion navy bill to improve the service. Shipments of arms also leave the country in response to Winston Churchill's request to Roosevelt for surplus weapons.
They Keep Going and Going...
Spike is at it again:
"Another update at the Archive!! Marko Pelan has created another 4 masterpieces for you to enjoy. He wants some help testing them. So, head over to the Paytest page. Some of them have been reworked and some are brand new.
They are:
Decision at La Gleize
Beast at Bay (reworked)
The Bridge at Cheneux (reworked)
Scotland the Brave (reworked)
Please give him some feedback!!
Spike"
Smock 'em if You Got 'Em!
Mr. Dorosh has a few more goodies:
"GD for CM has added a hi-res tan-water pattern smock for Army troops, as well as hi-res camo helmet covers in both splinter pattern and tan-water pattern."
Monday, June 11, 2001
Testing 1-2-3 and One for Real
Spike just keeps on plugging away:
"Hello eveyone!!
Some more updates to report!
I have added four brand new scenarios to the playtersters page. Mr. Johnson contributed three of them. They are:
1) 25 Pounder
2) Arras
3) Antieam
Ramor also sent me a scenario entitled:
1) Gotterdammerung
All look great! Thanks guys!!! Please make sure to give the authors some feedback as well! They work long and hard to create these for us...The least we could do is give 5 minutes of our time and email them some feedback!!!
Thanks alot!
Spike Out!"
June 12, 1940
Sea War, Mediterranean-
Britain launches a naval bombardment against the Italian base of Tobruk, Libya.
The Good News and the Better News
Rommel22 would like to share this:
"Well, it's been a while since the last update and a lot has happened since then. Let's start off with the site. I added three new scenarios, "Le Valtru," "The Road to Arnhem," and "There Is No Room." These scenarios are all made by Vinnie "ShutzStaffel" Lawler. They are all good scenarios and a lot of fun to play, especially TCP/IP!
Now for some big news! I became part of the Dirty-Half Dozen, a group of people (well six) who are part of Manx's Combat Missions site. Manx needed a group of people to help him out. I was lucky enough to make it to the group, and I am happy as ever. This is a good oppurtunity, to be part of the big boys. Thanx Manx for letting me be part of your group. I hope to do as much as I can for your site and the "Dirty Half Dozen!""
Number Nine, Number Nine...
From Kinch's keyboard to your eyes:
"The Combat Mission area at Military Gamer was updated. We are pleased to offer Rune's ninth battle Pak. We also have for the first time anywhere descriptions of each of Rune's masterpieces contained in his famous battle Paks.
Enjoy."
Moving Day
Tom sent over this important announcement:
"Important: Tom's Combat Mission HQ has moved to a new provider and
will be re-opened on June 11. Don´t forget to change your bookmarks: the new URL is http://home.nexgo.de/tcmhq/TCMHQ.html. Will we find new stuff here? Of course! Andrew Fox has released a marvellous high-res mod for the German Paratroop uniforms with several options to choose from ("Faces & Uniforms" section). Also don´t forget to take a look at the new high-res SdKfz 7 Gun Tractor mod from Marcus Bloss ("Axis Armor" section)."
The Universal Universal Carrier
Hear ye, hear ye:
"Courtesy of PawBroon, a new hi-res Universal Carrier, with a variety of colours schemes and markings, is now available for download at TOMMY."
Lucky Seven!
Panzerman has some good news to share:
"All positions are full. We have 7 members including myself. If you want a list of the members, go to The Scenario Zone web page. The Team is hard at work on our first scenario, "Juno Bridge." We are also soon going to be working on a scenario called "Making a Stand." If you have any ideas for battles (title your email "Suggestions for Battles")just Email me at robisme_ca@hotmail.com.
Rob "Panzerman" Disney"
Sunday, June 10, 2001
Wipe That Smock off Your Face!
Mr. Dorosh has a little treat for you:
"Downloads for the two major patterns of camouflage smock as worn by the Heer (Army) are available at GD for CM; these replace the standard wool uniform bitmaps. Direct page link is -
http://grossdeutschland.freehosting.net/uniforms.htm"
Where Does It Hurt?
Hi All,
Yesterday, I tore my ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in my right knee during a soccer match. It will require surgery and about six months of physical therapy to completely heal. I am not saying this to get sympathy (but a little would be nice). Rather, I just wanted to let everybody know that sitting in front of my computer is now difficult at best and painful at worst. So, there is a chance that the updates I receive will not be posted as quickly as I would like them to be. All I ask is that you are patient and bear with me while I am on the mend.
Thank you.
Ted
June 11, 1944
Pacific, Marianas-
US Task Force 58 begins a heavy bombardment of Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Rota, and Pagan prior to an assault on the islands, the occupation of which will allow the US forces operating in the area to sever the lines of communication to Japan's units operating in the southern Pacific.
Weekend Update Gets Shagadelic!
Welcome to the show that never ends my friends...Come aboard come aboard..
Okay, For this weeks big ole bag-o-fun we have all sorts of new and updated mod files which you can access via the file list above.
Many people enjoy the ease and flexibility of Mod Manager compliant file sets and as such Gordon Molek has seen fit to update some of the older mod favorites to include these versions. Today we have the excellant SdKfz 250 and 251's nice and upgraded.
Not to be outdone by, umm well, himself, Gordon has also sent in a very nice Panzer Mark IV mod with some very cool enhancements including the mesh style schuerzen.
Since Gordon was feeling all stylish he also sent in full Winter Sets of his Stuart Mod as well. Each set includes all the options of the earlier sets combined (stars, recognition panels etc...). Those with the fat pipe connections will appreciate the combined sets.
A pair of interesting Wasp and Universal Carrier Mods round out the day. Be sure to check out the Austin Powers mod! It's rad!
Pawbroon continues his feature article on Mod How-To's today. Check it out as he wades into some more details on proper modding.
Heer Dr. Evil (aka Rune) has a new pack of scenarios for your viewing horror. If you haven't tried out some of his work then you really need to give them a whirl. You won't regret it...Or then again...perhaps you will....
There you go, strap on your bell bottoms and check your inhibitions at the door!
Saturday, June 9, 2001
The Envelope, Please!
Attention! The Lord General will now address the troops:
"Soldiers,
I'm opening up nominations for the *new* LGMBWA (Lord General Mr. Bill Web Award). If anyone is intersted in making a nomination then please email me. Please include what you think is a good award for that site, and anything else (awards are: "Not Quite Bronze, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Oh My God It Kicks Ass (OMBIKS)").
You can E-mail me with any nominations at:
mr_bill_jr_5@hotmail.com
Be fair and keep your wits bout you.
(Lord General)
Mr. Bill. Jr. V"
June 10, 1940
Western Front, France-
Some 11,000 British and other French troops begin to evacuate from St. Valery and Le Havre to Britain.
And Then There Were Six
Manx wanted to share his big news:
"As you may be aware -- I recently "advertised" on the Forum asking if there were any dedicated CM enthusiasts out there, who would like to come and "work" at COMBAT MISSIONS. Well, I received a huge response to this, but I have had to pick only five people out of all those that "applied" and I only wish I could have picked more! I have tried my best to get back to everyone who expressed an interest in joining and to thank them for taking the time to get in touch with me.
Anyway, it gives me great pleasure to announce the five LUCKY (Is that the right word? :-) ) people chosen to be in this team:
(1) - Admiral Keth - Webmaster at the CM SCENARIO DEPOT;
(2) - Clubfoot - Scenario Designer and Founder Member of the DFDR : Africa Campaign Conversion for CMBO;
(3) - Franko - Widely acknowledged to be one of the best Scenario Designers on the CM Scene;
(4) - Gen. Sosaboski - Armour;
(5) - Manx - Webmaster at COMBAT MISSIONS; and
(6) - Rommel22 - Webmaster at ROMMEL'S KAMPFGRUPPE.
We are currently getting ourselves organised and when we do, we aim to make COMBAT MISSIONS an even better place for all CM enthusiasts to visit in the future.
Cheers - Manx"
From the Ashes of Combat1...
...rises a new and improved site:
"Due to a lack of updates, I wanted to make a scenario-testing team. So that's what I am doing. The address is http://combat1.50megs.com/index.html.
I am looking for some more people to join the scenario design team. So, if you want to join I still need 4 people. Email me at robisme_ca@hotmail.com.
For more info go to The Scenario Zone web page.
Rob"
Marking the Universal Carrier
Another treat from Mr. Dorosh:
"I have added sets of unit markings for Universal Carriers, depicting all the rifle battalions of the 15th (Scottish), 43rd (Wessex), 49th (West Riding), 50th (Northumbrian), 51st (Highland) and 53rd (Welsh) Divisions to the TOMMY site. These mods are done on the original bitmaps included with CM and are thus fully compatible with the stock artwork. Artwork for the 3rd (Iron), 52nd (Lowland), and 59th (Staffordshire) divisions will be available in short order."
Friday, June 8, 2001
June 9, 1944
Eastern Front, Finland-
The Soviets, in an effort to drive the Finns back to the 1940 frontier and compel them to make peace, launch a major offensive with two armies. The offensive is preceded by a sustained barrage from 5500 guns and 880 rocket-launchers. The attack shatters the Finnish front.
Just the Facts...
Recently, a couple threads at the Battlefront.com forum have contained a wealth of information regarding Combat Mission 2.
Here is a thread pertaining to the Computer Games Magazine CM2 preview article.
Here is a thread covering a wide range of Combat Mission 2 features.
Enjoy!
The Good News and the Bad News
This just in:
"I added the letters "S" & "T" to the archive today!! Lots of great scenarios for everyone to download and enjoy!
I am also glad to report that we were able to take a scenario Off of "MIA" status!! Received an email from Strider and he gave me permission to Archive "Brits Move Forward."
I did receive a negative email though... It seems that everyone who has visited and downloaded the new scenarios off of the playtesters page have not been giving the authors feedback. That page serves 2 purposes! One is for the author to reach many people to test the scenario. Two, is for the people who want to playtest to download the scenario and SEND FEEDBACK TO THE AUTHOR. Please folks, support these authors. They work hard to give us all great scenarios. The least we can do is take 5 to 10 minutes and give them some feedback! Enjoy the site and the scenarios!
Spike"
Thursday, June 7, 2001
Hitting the Ground Running...
A subtle little announcement just arrived:
June 8, 1940
Sea War, North Sea-
The German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau sink three empty vessels while hunting for convoys from Norway. They then sink the British carrier Glorious and two destroyers. These losses are blamed on the British failure to provide sufficient naval escorts for the Norway convoys.
Another Mouth to Feed
Clubfoot would like to share tha good news:
"Just a note to let everyone making DFDR vehicle mods know that Aussiejeff (Jeff Crisdale) has joined the DFDR team! He'll not only be supplying us with his own fine desert mods, but will also be recieving/testing/approving all 3rd party vehicle mods for DFDR.net.
Please send any future desert-oriented AFV/vehicle/gun mods to Aussiejeff at:
jeffctvs@bigpond.com
He'll check 'em out and pass 'em on to us. Thanks Jeff!
Clubfoot."
Wednesday, June 6, 2001
A Few Good Scenarios
Spike just keeps adding to the archive:
"Below are some scenarios that i got permission from the authors to add to the site! Debut of the Jagdtiger has been reworked by the author Keith Schur!!!
Debut of the Jagdtiger (a new reworked Version)
A Polish Tragedy
Kommerscheidt
Night Train
Graveyard
Head On
Nam Mission"
June 7, 1942
Eastern Front, Ukraine-
The siege of Sebastopol intensifies with massive assaults by Germany's Eleventh Army. Sebastopol is under heavy shelling from German siege artillery, which includes the Dora gun, the world's largest mortar. The Soviet defenders continue to hold out, despite the intense bombardment.
First Official Pics from CM2
CMHQ Exclussive! Battlefront.com today has released four new Combat Mission 2: Barbarossa to Berlin pictures from the Computer Gaming World magazine preview. You can click on the thumbnails above to view them all in full size. Stay tuned to CMHQ for more exclussive pictures and information soon!
The Dawn of a New Era
This HOT item just landed on my desk:
"BATTLEFRONT.COM ENTERS GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP WITH NET4WAR.
The French firm will work with independent fan site Appui-Feu to provide localized sales and support for 'Combat Mission: Beyond Overlord.'
June 5, 2001 -- Battlefront.com (www.battlefront.com), the wargaming industry first and only online publisher, has formed a partnership with Net4war (www.net4war.com), a French-based military content website that will provide localized sales and support services to Battlefront.com customers in European, African, and Arabian countries. In a related arrangement, Appui-Feu, an independent French fan site for Battlefront.com's flagship game 'Combat Mission: Beyond Overlord,' will be linked to Net4war's website to form the nucleus of its support section. The goal of the partnerships is to give wargamers on the "other side" of the Atlantic Ocean improved access to Battlefront.com's list of acclaimed wargame titles.
'Our partnership with Net4war opens up a lot of opportunities for us and the wargaming community,' said Stephen Grammont, President of Battlefront.com. 'Being a small company has forced us to focus primarily on the US market. By establishing formal arrangements with Net4war we can expand our horizons while at the same time retaining our focus on wargaming.'
Battlefront.com's partnership with Net4war and Appui-Feu will allow customers to order Battlefront.com products from Net4war and have them shipped to them from within the European Union. Customer, technical, and gaming community support will initially be offered in French, with English and additional languages added in the coming
months.
'The type of products Battlefront.com has to offer are very hard to come by for European customers' says Net4war director, Théophile Monnier. 'There are a lot of wargamers who are more comfortable making purchases from a European-based company. With the services of Net4war behind this venture, we can offer new wargame possibilities to such customers.'
In addition to selling and supporting Battlefront.com products, Net4war will aid Battlefront.com in localizing its products into non-English languages. The first conversion will be to make a localized French language game and manual for 'Combat Mission: Beyond Overlord.' The French version is slated to ship later this summer.
'The rapprochement of Appui-Feu and Net4war will form a complete structure fully aimed at promoting Combat Mission and other Battlefront.com products' says Appui-Feu founder Olivier Blanc. 'It brings Appui-Feu to a new, stable home and gives the customers more feedback and technical help, scenarios contests, historical articles, and much more.'
About Battlefront.com:
Battlefront.com, publisher of the highly acclaimed 3D WWII wargame 'Combat Mission: Beyond Overlord,' opened as the first totally-online wargame publishing company in 1999. For more information go to www.battlefront.com.
About Net4war:
Founded by Jean-Philippe Liardet (PhD), Net4war, part of Strataegis, a consulting company specialized in Defense, has supported the informational needs of those interested in military history and contemporary Defense issues since 1997. Net4war is directed by Théophile Monnier, the founder of the groundbreaking VaeVictis and Cyberstratege wargaming full color French magazines. For more information go to www.net4war.com.
About Appui-Feu:
The energetic Olivier Blanc owns Appui-Feu, which provides French-speaking wargamers with a one-stop information source for discussion, scenarios, articles, and contests relating to Combat Mission. For more information go to Appui-Feu.
US Press Contact:
Steve Grammont (press@battlefront.com)
European Press Contact:
Théophile Monnier (monnier@net4war.com)
Or by telephone: 04 42 50 69 83"
Tuesday, June 5, 2001
June 6, 1944
Western Front, France-
The Allies launch the greatest amphibious operation in history. The statistics for the invasion force are staggering: 50,000 men for the initial assault; over two million men to be shipped to France in all, comprising a total of 39 divisions; 139 major warships used in the assault, with a further 221 smaller combat vessels; over 1000 minesweepers and auxiliary vessels; 4000 landing craft; 805 merchant ships; 59 blockships; 300 miscellaneous small craft; and 11,000 aircraft, including fighters, bombers, transports, and gliders. In addition, the invasion force has the support of over 100,000 members of the French Resistance, who launch hit-and-run attacks on German targets.
D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy, code-named Operation Overlord, begins with the assault of three airborne divisions - the US 82nd and 101st on the right flank of the US forces, and the British 6th Airborne on the left flank of the British - while seaborne forces land on five beaches. Utah Beach is the target of the US 4th Infantry Division (part of the US VII Corps); Omaha Beach is the target of the US 1st Infantry Division (part of the US V Corps); Gold Beach is the landing site of the British 50th Infantry Division (part of the British XXX Corps); Juno is the target for the Canadian 3rd Infantry Division (part of the British I Corps); and the British 3rd Infantry Division (also part of the British I Corps) is tasked with seizing Sword Beach.
The initial parachute and seaborne landings have mixed results: on Utah resistance is slight and the troops are off the beach by 1200 hours; on Omaha the lack of specialized armor means the Germans can pin down the troops on the beach, with great slaughter; on Gold and Juno the specialized armor of the British and Canadians allow the troops to get off the beaches quickly; and by the afternoon they are probing inland toward Bayeux and Caen; and on Sword the troops are able to link up with airborne units that have been dropped farther inland.
This is fortunate, for it is between Juno and Sword that the Germans make their one major counterattack, comprising a battlegroup of the 21st Panzer Division. However, it is defeated. By the end of the day, at a cost of 2500 dead, the Allies have a toehold in German-occupied Europe.
Three Scenarios and an Article
Manx just keeps cranking out the goodies:
"A busy few days at work put paid to any updates I had planned, but I've managed to squeeze in a quick one for you tonight -
SCENARIOS
(1) - The Citadel, by Ethan W. Logue
(2) - South of Stavelot, by Ethan W. Logue
(3) - Smashing Pumpkins, by Levi "Mr-Johnson" Klein
Also, we have a great new article by PawBroon, which takes a look at all the mods that have been released for the Panzer IV in CMBO.
Thanks to all the above for their contributions - Enjoy!
Oh yeah, and...thanks to all those who were actually foolish enough to volunteer to come and do some work at COMBAT MISSIONS. Don't you know you should NEVER volunteer for anything!...i'll be in touch with you crazy people over the next day or so. :-)"
When Harry Met Sherman...
I just got this one, so be careful; it's still hot:
"Harry has created a new little mod to spice up your Shermans a tad. To download the Kraut-Killer Hellcat mod just right click on it and "Save As...". Check it out on the site.
________________________________________________
Harry hat einen kleinen neuen Mod gebastelt, um Eure Shermans ein wenig aufzupeppen. Holt ihn Euch auf der Site."
Monday, June 4, 2001
June 5. 1940
Western Front, France-
A German force of 119 divisions opens Operation Red, the conquest of France, with General Fedor von Bock's Army Group B attacking along the Somme River to reach the Seine River west of Paris by June 9. General Gerd von Rundstedt's Army Group A, moving toward the Moselle River in front of the Maginot Line, launches an offensive east of Paris.
Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall...
Tom sent over his weekly update, and it goes something like this:
"TCMHQ has released a new set of six scenarios (Tom´s Battlepack Vol.1) that were designed to work best for PBEM or FTC rules. All battles are small infantry or combined arms meeting engagements (max. Company sized). The special thing about these scenarios is, that they use mirrored maps to avoid any terrain advantage for one side! While the whole set is currently on "beta status," you can download it aleady from Tom´s site (see scenario pages-Mini Campaigns). The author welcomes your criticism or suggestions."
Welcome Aboard!
Hi All,
Well, it has been a little more than a week that I have been officially part of Combat Mission HQ! I must admit I am excited and a little nervous about being part of this operation. I'm excited because I have an opportunity to work on THE premiere CM website and have a much larger audience than I had with Forward Observer. What makes me nervous is the thought that MadMatt may implement a uniform haircut policy. :-)
What I'll be doing with CMHQ will be essentially the same as what I have been doing with FO. Webmasters should continue sending updates to me at tedquincey@yahoo.com (or click the above link to send it to my CMHQ email address) and I'll continue posting them ASAP. Now that the number of people reading these updates will undoubtedly increase from what we had at FO, webmasters can REALLY benefit from this system.
What will change? Well, not much actually. There are significant behind-the-scenes changes that will make posting updates quite a bit easier for me. Also, the news archiving will be completely automated, so I won't have that weekly headache to handle. Beyond that, there are really very few things that will change. My goal is to keep the system that worked so well for Forward Observer intact and functioning.
So, I am looking forward to the future of CMHQ and hope that I can make it a little better than it was when I found it. ;-)
Ted
Sunday, June 3, 2001
Everything but the Kitchen Sink!
Clubfoot sent over this monster update:
"And we finally come through with some of that new desert stuff!
First up from Gordon, a set of theatre-specific Churchill variants.
From AussieJeff, we've got a set of Allied armor with Churchills, Cromwells, vanilla stu-sherms, and even some TDs! Way to go Jeff! His first DAK armor is also available in the form of a sweet-lookin' PzII.
From Maximus, we've a new universal carrier. Thanks Max!
And from a relative newcomer, Jakob Kryger, we've recieved a BIG set of the most common pieces of German desert armor.
Also, don't miss MikeT's new scenario pack.
Keep swingin' by for more news from the African theatre.
Clubfoot"
June 4, 1942
Sea War, Pacific-
The Battle of Midway begins. Japan's Admiral Chuichi Nagumo aims to seize the US base at Midway and then destroy the US Pacific Fleet commanded by Admiral Chester Nimitz. Japan deploys 165 vessels, including eight carriers, but they are too widely dispersed to provide mutual support. US codebreakers are able to warn the Pacific Fleet, which then converges to repel the Midway attack and is not diverted by a raid on the Aleutian Islands. The US Navy has a smaller force but has managed to gather three carriers.
The reconnaissance operation by Japan's 29 large cruiser submarines fails to establish the movements of the Pacific Fleet. Nagumo has no idea of US deployments when he first strikes Midway. Japan's I Carrier Striking Force is decimated by US aircraft and three heavy carriers are lost. Japan's fourth carrier, Hiryu, then cripples the US carrier Yorktown before herself being fatally hit. Japan's attempt to destroy the enemy with its superior forces by luring it into a surface battle has failed. The loss of half of its carrier strength, plus 275 aircraft, puts Japan on the defensive in the Pacific.
On to the Next Round!
The boys at AKoTM would like to share the following:
"Welcome to the Second Round, Gents!
As you can see, boy_Recon has advanced by TKO as Philistine went AWOL and I grew tired of waiting. So, expect your maps shortly...and if you don't like it, or you think it's "gamey", tough shit! Go and play in one of those "Oh, you can't use that"..."Oh, you can't do that" tournaments...this one's for Asskicking only...NOT for Asskissing.
Harpooner
vs------------Winner
Treeburst155
1)
Pacestick
vs------------Winner
mPisi
====================
Speedy
vs------------Winner
Senor Beef
2)
aaronb
vs------------Winner
Pondscum
====================
Gryene
vs------------Winner
boy_Recon
3)
labappel
vs------------Winner
Stoffel
====================
Sock Monkey
vs------------Winner
Mlapanzer
4)
Claymore
vs------------Winner
Texas Toast"
A Salute to the General
A nice little tribute from Mr. Dorosh:
"In honour of the recent passing of Brigadier General Denis Whitaker, DSO and Bar, I have added a bmp of him to my general icons page; he can be downloaded and used as an HQ icon. Before the war, Whitake gained fame as a quarterback for the Hamilton Tigers. During the war, Whitaker was the only officer of his brigade to come back unwounded from the Dieppe beach, and later went on to command the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, winning the DSO twice. In recent years, Whitaker wrote such books as RHINELAND, TUG OF WAR and DIEPPE: TRIUMPH TO TRAGEDY.
The direct link to the General Icons page is http://wargames.freehosting.net/general.htm"
The New Kid in Town
There is a new wargaming website that has officially opened today! It is called Warfare HQ and it looks very promising. There are sections for the Panzer Campaigns, The Operational Art of War, the Campaign Series, and, yes, you guessed it, Combat Mission! The CM section is led be none other than long-time sound mod specialist Scipio. Swing over and and have a look. I think you'll be impressed.
Saturday, June 2, 2001
StuG in the Sand
The MoJo says:
"I have another new DFDR mod for you guys/gals. I touched up the StuG III and have changed the camo scheme into a pretty nice-looking Desert Camo. It's worth a little look-see (I think). I'm not sure if StuGs were used in North Africa, but I just did it anyway for the fun of it. Well, that's it for now, but expect more DFDR Mods coming soon!"
June 3, 1943
Politics, Free French-
Rival leaders General Charles de Gaulle and General Henri Giraud agree to share the presidency of the Committee of National Liberation.
Keep on Truckin'!
Mr. Dorosh sent over this little tidbit:
"A lo-res Panzer Grey version of Marco Bergman's 6 x 4 Saurer truck is available at GD for CM. This is a very clean truck with aerial recognition flag on the hood and some "just for fun" details like license plates (in the wrong place due to limitations imposed by the 3D model) and canvas screens over the bed."
June 2, 1943
Air War, Italy-
A round-the-clock naval and air bombardment of Pantellaria Island continues. Italian propaganda had falsely hailed it as an impregnable fortress and, consequesntly, the Allies had considered it an obstacle blocking their plans to invade Sicily and the mainland.
Friday, June 1, 2001
The Desert Gets Hotter!
Clubfoot just dropped a HUGE update on my desk:
"A BIG batch of new DFDR scenarios by MikeT is available. They range from small to med. in size and are all based on old @$|_ scenarios.
His last dispatch to me read thusly:
"Club, Logan, here are my first batch of desert scenarios. Now I must admit up front that not all are tested but since they are based on existing scenarios they should be "roughly" workable.
Now some good news. I have formal permission to use ASL scenarios from a company called Critical Hit. I have ordered a great deal from them and have an additonal 26 scenarios that can/might be converted to CM,DFDR. I also have other scenarios from theaters other than North Africa that I want to convert, not counting the Pacific battles that actually count up to 100."
Way to go, Mike!
More to come this weekend with many long-promised (my shame overflows) vehicle mods from Aussiejeff, Jakob Kryger, and more... (and to you guys who sent me this stuff only to have it never appear at the site, my apologies!)
Clubfoot."
You Always Remeber the First One...
Gordon Molek stopped by to say that the:
"AAR of the first ever Team Tank Rumble is now available at Old Dog's CM Central."