July 2001
Tuesday, July 31, 2001
August 1, 1940
Politics, Germany-
Hitler issues Directive No. 17, which states that preparations for the invasion of England are to be complete by September 15, ready for an invasion between the 19th and 26th.
Monday, July 30, 2001
July 31, 1941
Politics, Germany-
Reinhard Heydrich, Germany's security chief and head of the SS secret police, receives orders to begin creating a draft plan for the complete destruction of the Jews, which becomes known as the "Final Solution." Heydrich will become the infamous administrator of the state apparatus that persecutes and murders millions of people.
Africa, Libya-
General Ludwig Cruewell takes command of the Afrika Korps and General Erwin Rommel takes charge of Panzer Group Africa (one infantry and two panzer divisions).
Road Trip!
On his way out the door, Rob dropped this on my desk:
"Well I am going away for about a month and...until I get back not much will be happening duing that time. The Normandy Pack will come up when I get back from my joy ride all over B.C Canada.
Also when I get back will be the up-scaled Battle of Aachen. It's based on Wild Bill's, but on a new map...based on a 1944 map of the city. It also covers a larger part of the city. It takes place
not just around the Hotel Quellehof, but throughout the entire northern part of the city.Well I have to go pack...
Rob"
Good Grief!
Kinch just cooked up a little update:
"The Combat Mission area of Military Gamer has been updated.
Yes ... once again for your summer time enjoyment we have a HOT battle near Caen. It's called "Grief for the Guards." Although, we think YOU will find it a "blast."
You can only download it at Boots & Tracks."
Feeling a Little Defensive?
This just in:
"I have uploaded an article from "Mars attacks" about how to defend in Combat Mission. From the choice of parameters to the end of the game, this article is quite exhaustive and PBEM-focused, but unfortunately it is only in French."
Sunday, July 29, 2001
July 30, 1944
Western Front, France-
Avranches falls to the US VIII Corps.
Go East, Young Man
Here's some great news for those of you that want an East Front fix:
"MikeT, who created the CMBO desert mod DFDR (http://www.dfdr.net), is in the final stages of a Russian front mod for CMBO called FRONTOVIK. This mod, like the desert mod, converts existing units to look and sound like Russian soldiers. The lack of proper Russian vehicles is solved by using lend-lease vehicles such as the M4 and Stuart. Dave Singer was actively involved in the project as the uniform modder.
There are Russian language files supplied by Ross Moorhouse.
One problem is the vehicles. MikeT has a need for a vehicle modder for some 9 vehicles. One modder, bfamily33, has done two vehicles, however there are a few more that are required.
Anyone interested please contact MikeT"
Saturday, July 28, 2001
July 29, 1941
Politics, Britain/United States/Holland-
Holland freezes Japanese assets in the Dutch East Indies. This, combined with Britain and the United States freezing Japanese assets in their countries over the preceeding days, results in much of Japan's foreign trade being lost.
Oh, Happy Days!
SuperTed and His Woman celebrate 11 years of wedded bliss. :-)
Friday, July 27, 2001
The Results Are In!
Just completed and sent by Yobobo:
"Wreck and Nawiat have won a CD-Burner and a tank print from BTS. The runners up, Holien and von_Schalburg have also won a tank print. We are having the final match between Wreck and Nawiat this week for the prestigious tourney banner icon!"
July 28, 1945
Politics, Japan-
Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki announces that both he and his cabinet will ignore the recent Allied Potsdam Proclamation.
Winter in July!
Tom has something to share:
"While everyone is waiting for Andrew´s Super Action PackT vol.3, how about a special bonus mod....Andrew´s way of saying "thanks" for purchasing Super Action PackT products. It's a winter uniform mod, based on his Fallschirmjaeger mod included in Super Action PackT vol.1, depicting Fallschirmjäger wearing quilted winter parkas. And, due to popular and outspoken demand, he made them look all dirty....
You can get the new FJ mod (804 kb) from Tom´s "Faces & Uniforms" mod
page."
More Map Mania!
Hot off the press:
"YES amazing!! Another update! Where do I find the time?! Heh. Yup Berli has turned out two more amazing maps which boggle the mind. You wanted better Bocage? You got it! You wanted a City to fight in to give you nightmares about? Berli has one for you, so strap in and prepare to be wowed!
Hop on over and see what Berli has done to his boccage map and a city
which I would Fear to have a battle in, Klein Maastricht."
Thursday, July 26, 2001
July 27, 1944
Eastern Front, Ukraine-
The Soviet 1st Ukranian Front liberates Lvov, and goes on to establish several bridgeheads on the Vistula River by the 30th.
In the Good Old Summertime
Kinch just dropped this baby on my desk:
"The Combat Mission area of Military Gamer has been updated.
Yes ... for your summer time enjoyment why not download a HOT August battle near Falaise. It's a 25-turn gem by the Wildest designer we know. :-)
We also have the latest Craig Harvey database. So, there is no reason to not find the battle you really want to play this summer.
This and more available at Boots & Tracks."
Short and Sweet
Scipio is at it again:
"I completed another uniform, as usuall downloadable at WarfareHQ."
Come One, Come All!
Check out this competition:
"The guys at Command Post, a UK-based military hobbies site have launched a competition you may be interested in. This competition is a little special. To celebrate the launch of their new Military T-shirt printing service, Command Post are offering the winner a free custom-printed T-shirt. Yep, the winner will receive a unique T-shirt printed with their very own images, photograph or text. This can be both front and backprints, and in full colour. Please note there is a size limitation of 25cm by 25cm for each image. To enter the competition simply visit Command Post, and navigate to the "Competitions" page to read the rules etc. Then submit your own T-shirt design. The winner will be judged by Command Post staff (4 judges on the panel) based on the most innovative design but it must be military in nature. Note that military humour is accepted! Submit your artwork in the following formats only: .jpg, .gif, .bmp, .doc; and note that T-shirt colours available are white, khaki, black, yellow, and red."
The New Kid in Town
From Canada, via Germany and the US:
"Right! Gunnergoz has a new home and it's at "Der Kessel" of course!
His Hi-Res Grass, Tree bases, and Bushes and Lo-Res water and marsh all for you green thumbs out there!
HAPPY PLANTING and WATERING!
Don't forget to check out his page with wonderful full screenshots to capture that Krodac (no not Croda) moment!"
Wednesday, July 25, 2001
Just the Facts
Well, folks, things have really taken a turn for the worse in the "Firing on the Move" thread at the BFC forum. Steve has actually resorted to conducting tests to justify his reasoning. What is this world coming to?! ;-)
Take a peek at the thread here.
July 26, 1943
Eastern Front, Ukraine-
The German high command orders forces around Orel to withdraw to the previously-prepared Hagen Line, just to the east of Bryansk.
Combat Mission för Svensktalande Is Coming to an End
Olle just sent over the sad news:
"Hi all!
In January I started a new web site (or rather an "MSN community") called "Combat Mission för svensktalande" with the intentions of:
1) providing a forum for Nordic players of CM, to get in touch with each other.
2) provide myself with webspace to make my own mods available to the
public.
3) provide myself with webspace to make my own CM-related pictures available to the public.
4) make the gospel of CM spread even more amongst Swedish computer gamers.
Here's how successful I've been:
1) There are only half a dozen or so members in the community. Nothing's been posted on the message board since late April.
2) Although I've tried to make the file archive as accessable and open as possible, MSN requires membership of the community to download files. Therefore I now don't have any mods there.
3) This was pretty successful! :-) But I don't have that many pics to publish...
4) I've got no evidence that any non-CM gamer has visited the site.
Due to the major failure with #2 I've kept quite a low profile, which might be some explanation behind the low number of members...
Keeping the community running makes it impossible for me to block all the junkmail sent from [username]@msn.com to my account (>> 99% of the mail from that domain), since a would-be member might use MSN mail as well...
Anyways, due to the shortcoming of my intentions, I've decided to close down the community in a week or so. This will happen unless someone else wants to take over as webmaster or there's a major increase in activity as a result of this announcement.
Cheers
Olle"
Tuesday, July 24, 2001
It's not the Size That Counts
Spike is pacing himself:
"A really small update today, but a great one!! Added Hector Guerrero's new Op entitled Northeim. Download and enjoy!!!
July 25, 1940
Politics, United States-
The United States introduces licensing to restrict the export of oil and metal products outside the Americas and to Britain. This measure is particularly directed toward Japan, which is heavily dependent upon imports of these resources. As a consequence, Japanese strategic planning devotes greater attention to the resources of the Dutch East Indies and Malaysia to relieve their raw material shortages.
Monday, July 23, 2001
July 24, 1941
Eastern Front, Ukraine-
Hitler orders Army Group South in the Ukraine to close the pocket around the concentration of Soviet forces based on Uman. They seal it 15 days later, isolating three Soviet armies from Red Army forces around Kiev. This leaves the Soviet South and Southwest Fronts seriously weakened, and Odessa is now only accessible by sea. The Germans trap some 100,000 men and 317 tanks in the pocket.
Sunday, July 22, 2001
July 23, 1942
Eastern Front, Ukraine-
The city of Rostov is taken by Germany's Army Group A, which then crosses the Don River and makes a broad advance into the Caucasus.
A Little Now and a Little Later
Panzerman has an update:
"The Verrierres Ridge scenario is done. If you have any problems downloading scenarios from this site I can send them to Combat Missions.
Some time next week the Normandy scenario Pack will become available. If you have any questions email me.
Rob"
Joining Forces
Here's the word:
"The CM Scenario / Operations Database is back and Updated in the new 2.0 Version! Craig "Harv" Harvey and Mike "Spike" Rhodes have joined forces to resurrect and update this great resource for the Combat Mission community. There are now over 740 scenarios and 70 operations listed, along with their data and location on the web. You can download this new and improved version at either Boots & Tracks (.csv version) or The Scenario Archive (Excel version).
Craig will concentrate on the offline version and Mike will work on the online web site version. Both will be updated regularly. There is an update template available for scenario and operation designers included with the database. All you have to do is fill it out and email it to Craig or Mike and the Database and website will be updated! So stop by and check out the new and improved Combat Mission Scenario Database 2.0"
Fun by the Handful
More from Manx:
"We have another great selection of mods/scenarios for you in this update. The site has been up & down throughout the past week due to the site's hosts having server problems. This downtime also affected all the site's e-mail facilities so I have a lot of mail to sort out.
Anyway, so what have we got for you?
MODS
1.) - 1944-45 US Infantry / Airborne Uniforms - "Actionpack Vol 2," by Andrew Fox
2.) - Canadian D-Day Assault Vests (also includes D-Day scenario "Deja Vue"), by Michael Dorosh
OPS / SCENARIOS
1.) - "Guns of Navarone!", by Jason "Panzer Leader" Barnes
2.) - "Across the Reich" Battle Pack, (5 scenarios), by Niles "Fieldmarshall" Hirschi
3.) - "Maltese Battle Pack," (2 scenarios, 1 op), by Gary "The Maltese" D.
Thanks to all the above for taking the time to send in their work.
Enjoy!"
Saturday, July 21, 2001
July 22, 1940
Espionage, Britain-
Britain establishes the Special Operations Executive (SOE) to secretly give support to resistance groups across Nazi-occupied Europe.
Friday, July 20, 2001
July 21, 1940
Politics, Soviet Union-
The authorities formally annex Lituania, Latvia, and Estonia.
Chat Amongst Yourselves
Yobobo popped over to say:
"Just updated our chat.
http://tournamenthouse.com/CM/Chat/
Enjoy!
Lost and Found
Spike just sent this over:
"Sifted through all of the wonderful Rune packs to see which one I did not have listed in the site. Added all the missing Rune files. Enjoy them! Here is the list of the added scenarios:
Assault on St. Vith
Caen Mutiny
Casey Jones' Ghost
Clash of the Titans
Crossroads in the Fog
Custer's Last Stand II
Field of Trouble
Fir Break
Foothills
Green Grass
Gully High
Midnight at Oasisfield
Pole's Payback
Reichswald Redoubt
Reut Canal
Sedan Redux
Smokey Mountains
St. Gertrude
The Bridges of Le Luc
The Hills Are Alive
The Royal Regiment
Three Ridge Way
Verdun
Villiers-Fossard
Wide Front
Woody's Crossroads
There is also a really big announcement coming soon so check back everyday!!! Watch the Combat Mission HQ Site. SuperTed will break the news!!!!"
...And Another Thing
Manx would like a moment of your time:
"Over the past few days I have carefully considered the future of COMBAT MISSIONS in general and the way in which it operates. The "Quality Control?" thread I opened up on the CM Forum attracted a great deal of response from the Community after I had questioned exactly what people wanted and expected from CMs with regard to its content quality and submission policy. This was after I had received a fair amount of feedback (negative, but constructive) from visitors. Let me reiterate then, if I can, exactly what my stance on site submissions and the nature of what is being hosted is:
One of the things I knew I wanted to do with this site when I first set it up, was to ONLY host "quality" additions for CM, hence the "Only High Quality Mods Will Be Accepted" request I put in that many have commented about.
Why did i go with this approach?
1) I couldn't see any point in operating a site that, at the very least, didn't attempt to do this.
2) I see absolutely no point in wasting diskspace by hosting "substandard" files that will never be used by anybody.
3) Everybody benefits if the standard of work is high -- It creates an environment where Scenario Designers, Mod-makers, and Writers
research, playtest, and gather feedback on their work before releasing it.
It makes no difference to me whether a file is Historical, semi-Historical, or based completely on Guesswork -- just so long as people enjoy it and it adds to their CM playing experience. Obviously, for a file to claim to be historical, it SHOULD be thoroughly researched, and in my experience, this IS invariably the case, but if anyone spots errors in ANY of the site's content, then please don't contact me (unless of course the error(s) are site related -- there will be many! :-) ); get in touch with the individual authors -- they will, I'm sure, only be too happy to make changes and I will gladly receive any updates to existing content if the author sends me improvements.
I would like to think that ALL the work that is currently published on
this site IS of a VERY HIGH QUALITY, and I would like to think that the site is respected more FOR adopting this policy. I also think that it is BECAUSE of the consistently high standard of the work sent in by its contributors, that the site has become popular with a lot CM players.
Right...that's enough of that!...on to other, less "heavy" stuff. :-)
I've just got time to post Franko's "TRUE COMBAT: The Only Way to Wage War" Rules for CMBO. I had received a number of requests from people (since Franko was a member of the DHD) asking me if I knew what the hell this was and where they could get it. I got in touch with Frank and he has kindly allowed me permission to publish it on the site. Franko has also included two scenarios, "Go Down Swinging" and "La Fantay," that have been developed for you to try out TC with.
I hope to have a much more substantial update for you over the coming weekend.
Finally, Thank You to everyone who took the time to send in messages via the forum and e-mail, supporting this site and what it is trying to do. I hope to be able to reply back to you all ASAP.
Manx"
Thursday, July 19, 2001
July 20, 1944
Politics, Germany-
An attempt is made by German officers to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Count Schenk von Stauffenberg, chief-of-staff to General Friedrich Fromm, plants a bomb near Hitler in a conference room at the Nazi leader's East Prussian headquarters at Rastenburg. The bomb explodes at 1242 hours, after von Stauffenberg has left. The bomb fails to kill Hitler and the conspiracy falls apart. Josef Goebbels, Nazi minister for propaganda, acts quickly to convince the Berlin garrison that Hitler is still alive by linking them by telephone. Fromm, to allay suspicions of his involvement in the plot, has von Stauffenberg shot in the evening.
The failure of the plot results in the arrest, torture, and execution of dozens of suspects in the following months. Field Marshal Erwin Rommel is among the most notable of those senior military figures aware of the conspiracy.
Wednesday, July 18, 2001
July 19, 1943
Politics, Axis-
Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler meet at Fletre in northern Italy. The Italian dictator fails to tell Hitler that his country is to cease fighting and instead endorses the proposal for Germany to assume military control in Italy. The first major Allied air raid is made on the Italian capital, Rome, by US bombers on the same day.
Normandy and Beyond
Panzerman is hard at work:
"The Normandy Scenario Pack will be coming out next weekend! We are also going to start on a new project in the next few weeks. I have a sense the Normandy scenarios only need tweaking and have started working a Verrierres Ridge scenario. It has the Black Watch (a Canadian battalion from Montreal) marching up Verrierres Ridge toward heavily-defended SS positions. I will be posting a picture from that scenario soon. The whole battalion in reality, other than about 14 men, was killed. For more news go to the Scenario Zone.
Rob"
The Latest US Fashions
Tom sent over a mid-week update:
"Andrew Fox strikes again: Photorealistic Hi-Res uniforms for your US Infantry, Paratroops and Tank Crews (1944/45). Authentic combat
dresses with lots of details. Winter versions included! Download the complete pack (5.279 kb) at TCMHQ ("Faces & Uniforms" mod section)."
Mapmaker, Mapmaker, Make Me a Map!
Mensch just sent over this one:
"Map Madness at Der Kessel!
At Der Kessel, in the maps section, many things have popped up.
-First all the original maps from Der Kessel's old site are up and
running again.
-One a link from Frenchy to his page containing documents and maps of
the 70th Infantry Division.
-Combat Mission Maps: two historical maps by Kip-Marmach (ops map) and Noron-la-Poterie.
-Scanned maps from The DesertFox of Hill 112, Juno Beach, and Tilly-la-Campagne in 1:25000 scale.
-A Scanned Aerial Photo of Kommerschiedt from Yankee; it details
positions as of 1400, 4 Nov 1944 of the 1st Bn., 112th Inf. and elements of the 3rd Bn., 112th Inf.; also where the Germans attack.
Also in the pipes (next days) a dialog with Ed "gunnergoz" to get his
Mods hosted by us.
Enjoy!"
Tuesday, July 17, 2001
July 18, 1940
Politics, Britain-
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill agrees to close the Burma Road to disrupt supplies to the Chinese in order to avoid a confrontation with the Japanese. The onset of the monsoon season means that the supply line would be disrupted anyway. The British will reopen the aid route in October.
A Job Well Done
Spike is at it again:
"Another massive update to the Archive. This will probably be the last such update. Most of the scenarios listed in Harv's database have been updated. I also Added "Meet the Authors" to the site. This will be a permanant fixture. Since we showcase all the CM scenarios here, I thought why not introduce you to the people who make them! So check out the first Interview I did with Terence Nelan!!! Not sure who the next one will be, but I will keep you posted! :-)
SCENARIOS ADDED:
Waurichen
Whoa Mohammed
Wollersheim
Sandigs SS Counterattack at Poirier
Schill Gorge
Sgt Rock
St Cyr
Schijndel Road
Snow in the Vosges
Stoumont Station
Steutpunkt Vierville
Surrounded
Pettibon
Paderborn Panic
Point D Appui
Ponville
Lost and Found
Low Road
I Love This War
Kampfgruppe Walther 1
Kings Castle
Night Devils
Under the Noel Trees
Faugh a Ballagh
Frundsberg Right
Foggy Morning in the Garden
Fallback from Golf Hotel
Fire and Rain
Foggy Mountain
Just 3 Little Stuarts
Jumbo
Just a Stream
Valhalla
Vossenack
Veghel (Historical Based)
Veghel Town
Vinter Vonderland
Offensive to Morenburg
One Lone Farmhouse
Ouistreham
Monty Advances
Munshausen
Manshau
Marine Ambush
R&R
Rochelinval
Raffelsbrand
Raid on St Nazaire
Railway Station
Ranger Stronghold
Recon by Stealth
Recon in Force
Recon Meeting in the Ardennes
Regalbuto Ridge
Ricky
Road Block
Red Devils
Riesburg
Tragedy at Laar
The Thankless Task
The Road South
The Whirlwind
Trainyard
Triangle of Trouble
Toll Road
The Thin Red Line
Trench Warfare
The Lion Rampant
Turnbull's Fight
The Liberation of Tulle
The Siege
The Battle For Prime Time
Attack on the German Winter Line
Enjoy it folks!!! It is here for you!
Spike...Out!"
Monday, July 16, 2001
In the Beginning...
Michael just sent over this update:
"Grossdeutschland is on the march. The beginnings of a page on German vehicle markings is now available at GD for CM; most importantly, MikeT's upcoming FRONTOVIK module - a DFDR type Russian Front conversion for CMBO - has its own section featured. Just some preview shots of David Singer's Russian uniforms and bfamily33's Russian armour, and also a scenario by MikeT."
July 17, 1943
Eastern Front, Ukraine
The Soviet Voronezh Front, just to the south of Kursk, and the Steppe Front, to the west of Kharkov, begin pursuing the German forces, which are now retreating in some confusion.
July 16, 1941
Eastern Front, Soviet Union-
Following the crossing of the Dniepr and Dvina Rivers, the encirclement of Smolensk by Germany's Army Group Center commences. The city falls after 300,000 Red Army troops and 3200 tanks are trapped in the vicinity of the city but, despite this, the surrounded Soviet forces are not finally defeated until August.
Sunday, July 15, 2001
6 Pack of Winterized Fernando Mods!
Well I finally got off my lazy fat ass (and it is thank you very much) and posted the Gordon Molek Winterized Fernando mods. Up tonight are whitewashed versions of the SdKfz 250 and 251 family half-tracks, Panther A and Panther G's (early and late), the PSW 234 series armored cars and a sweet looking Pz Mark IV (all models). All of them are high res and Mod Manager compliant (I think!). Not only that, but they all include optional insignia graphics and goodies. Be sure to check out the cool mesh skirt on the Mark IV. She sure is nice.
You will find all these mods in the Winter Vehicle Mod page. Enjoy and have a great week!
But Wait, There's More!
More from Michael:
"Four new scenarios are up at the CANUCK website:
Armoured Cavalry, an ASL scenario originally designed by Paul Kenny, has been converted for CM. It features a company of the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment assaulting the town of Keppeln during the Rhineland fighting of February 1945. Wet terrain, antitank mines, and some other nasty surprises lie in wait for the poor Herbies..
Laying Down the Gauntlet, an ASL scenario originally designed by Shawn Kenny (think they are related? How weird is that!) has also been done over for CM. It features the First Canadian Parachute Battalion in action at Varaville on D-Day.
Trotreview Farm, originally by Jim McLeod, depicts the attack by Major Jacques Dextraze and his company of Les Fusiliers Mont Royal during the preparations for Verrieres Ridge - Canada's darkest day in Normandy.
Take the Rhino by the Horn - originally by Brent Pollock, this one caters to the large map and armour fans; three columns of Canadian armour and infantry in a meeting engagement with columns of German assault guns and infantry. This ASL conversion is based on a historical action between the Governor General's Foot Guards and the 85th Infantry Division during the Scheldt fighting. The terrain features elevated roads and thick pine forests, interspersed with muddy open ground and dikes."
Hey Mikey! He Likes It!
Spike is doing some fine-tuning:
"A small update today, but some very god scenarios and operations!!!
Today we archived:
Little Stalingrad, Baptism at the Riccio, and The Causeway all by Michael Dorosh! Michael also sent in a scenario entitled Nan Beach. James Morton sent in Nachut. Archived a great operation entitled 29 Lets Go! by Franko!!! So we have some great new scenarios and operations to check out for this weekend!!! Also added a classic that I was missing by Wild Bill entitled Nijmegen."
Saturday, July 14, 2001
Lightning Strikes!
Tom is back in action:
" After an involuntary break (a thunderstorm killed Tom´s modem), he´s got several news items this weekend. All tank and vehicle mods are available again after moving them to a new server.
And - of course - there are new mods. The long-awaited SdKfz 7/1 & 7/2 Flak Wagon HiRes mod by Marcus Bloess ("Axis Armor" section), Ed Kinney's 10 MB Super HiRes Stone Building Pack ("Buildings" section) and Tom´s US divisional shoulder insignia mod for DD´s superb US uniforms ("Faces & Uniforms" section).
Also check out two new operations by Frank Radoslovich (29 Let´s Go - Non Tournament save version !!!) and Juan R. López Letamendi (Forbach). You´ll find these on the "France 1944" and "Germany 1945" scenario pages."
July 15, 1944
Eastern Front, Finland-
The battle for the Karelian Isthmus ends with a defensive victory for Finland. Three Soviet armies make excellent early progress, but are unable to achieve the objectives laid down in their orders of June 21. The Soviet military leadership orders its troops in Finland to go over to the defensive on the 11th.
Friday, July 13, 2001
July 14, 1941
Middle East, Syria-
General Henri Dentz defies the Vichy French authorities and surrenders Syria to the Allies. British forces begin occupying the colony and pro-Allied administrations are formed in Syria and neighboring Lebanon. The Allies have sustained about 2500 casualties in the campaign, while the Vichy French forces have suffered some 3500 casualties defending their colonies in the region.
Thursday, July 12, 2001
July 13, 1942
Eastern Front, Caucasus-
Adolf Hitler orders simultaneous attacks on Stalingrad and the Caucasus, despite the strain this causes to his armies. Army Group B's advance toward Stalingrad is slowed after Hitler redeploys the Fourth Panzer Army to Army Group A's Caucasus drive. He believes Army Group A will not be able to cross the Don River without reinforcements. Field Marshal Fedor von Bock, leading Army Group B, is later dismissed for opposing this. The divergence of the two groups creates a gap through which Soviet forces are able to escape.
Spike, a CM Hero
Yup, you guessed it:
"Updates keep coming your way from The Archive!!!!!
Operations-
Last Stand of the II SS by Niklas Vilsmeier
Pogrom by King Noire (playtest page)
Scenarios-
The Fiery French by Wild Bill
A Rock in the Flood by Wild Bill
Blood and Bocage by Wild Bill
Death of the Titans by Wild Bill
A Melee at Marvie by Wild Bill
Much thanks to the Authors!!! Thanks for your patronage!!!
Spike...Out!"
You Make the Call
Panzerman would like a little input:
"After next week we will start working on scenario ideas that you want done. As in if there are any battles that you want done or just an idea send it to us. After the ideas are given, we will have a vote on what scenario you the CM players want the most. We found that if people just send in scenairos that we get too many to test in the time that people request so we will not be doing that.
Rob"
Wednesday, July 11, 2001
July 12, 1941
Politics, Allies-
Britain and the Soviet Union sign a Mutual Assistance Pact, which includes a declaration that neither will make a separate peace with the Axis powers.
Air War, Soviet Union-
Moscow suffers its first air raid. The bombing then intensifies with three large-scale attacks this month and 73 minor raids that last until the end of the year.
New Summer Fashions
Scipio has some news to share:
"I completed another mod : the Wehrmacht Feldgrau Uniform. As usual, for download at WarfareHQ."
They Just Keep Getting Bigger!
Spike is keeping his nose to the grindstone:
"Well I have been busy.... A mammoth update for all!! The biggest update ever!! I know.. I know.. I cannot take a break! :) Over the last couple of days the following operations and scenarios have been added to the Archive! Thanks to the Authors!
OPERATIONS-
21st Panzer Attacks
Bogged but Deadly
Drive to Mortain
Herrlisheim Cut Off
Stolberg - Punching a Hole
Shanley's Stand
Stoumont
The Destruction of Caen
SCENARIOS-
Tiger Corner
Tiger Route
Tiger Trap
Tiger 222
The Price of Impatience
The Mad Minute (Historical)
The Guns of San Sebastian
The Mad Minute (Variant)
The Magnificent Seven
The Clearing
The Devils Brigade - Monte la Difensa
The Hard Road
Trapped!!
Take the High Ground
Tanks in the Street
Terror by the Rhone
The Bridge
The Bitche Salient
The Beast
The Attempt to Relieve Peiper
Hohenstaufen Attacks
Hitler's Bunker
Hold Your Position
Hitdorf on the Rhine
Hill 505
Hitler in Hell
Hill 302-Manuever Warfare
Hamlet du Barrage
Han Sur Neid (ASL Version)
Yeager's Farm
Marechal's Mill
Midnight Massacre
Merzenhausen Zoo
Motorized German Counterattack
Mortain
Who is Gunther?
Withdrawal at Le Viet
Wittman's Last Hour
Warsaw Backlash
Wittelsheim
Gavin Take
Guns of San Martel
Gettysburg
Grab for a Prize
Gross Rederching
Surburban Wars-Approaching New Angeles
Surburban Wars-Fight for New Angeles
Surburban Wars-Last Line of Defense
Surburban Wars-Leaving New Angeles
Stop the Rain
Screaming Eagles
SS Attack
Shadows at Dawn
Scouting a Crossing
Stop the Panzers
Stop by and enjoy all of these fine scenarios!!!! Leave your comments and sign the Archive guestbook!
Thanks,
Spike...Out!"
Fresh from France
Magnus has some good stuff here:
"4 mods and 2 scenarios are available for download today.
The Mods : in our "Conversions" section, you can get four new mods from DRD. There are three new uniforms (2 SS and 1 Heer) and a rough terrain.
The scenarios : first one is historical and named "Lingèvres." On June 14th, British from the 50th Infantry and 7th Armoured Divisions attack the Panzer Lehr's positions around Tilly-sur-Seulles.
Second one is fictional and called "L'aigle s'est envolé." It is adapted from John Sturges's film.
Both scenarios can be played by email."
A Few Clarifications
On July 9, Computer Games Online posted its preview of Combat Mission 2: Barbarossa to Berlin. The article is essentially the same as the one in the July, 2001 issue of their Computer Games magazine, with a few clarifications. This update will only deal with the clarifications since there was an update dedicated to the magazine article back on June 16 of this year.
First, the reference to the “Winter War” that was in the magazine has been removed for the online preview. Second, the detailed explanation of relative spotting has also been removed. It has been replaced by a mention of what the future plans are for relative spotting.
A few drawings that were not in the magazine have been added to the online preview as well.
If you would like to read the entire preview, click the link below.
Back in Black
Alla Keefek strikes again:
"John Tucker has asked if I would host his Sherman Black Pack MODs. They can be d/l from my site. If you download it please make sure you read the instructions that are in the zip. This mod is in Hi-res/Low-Res/Stars/Red Camo variants.
I have only tried the Black camo Hi-res so far and like what I see. Any questions about this mod please contact John."
Tuesday, July 10, 2001
July 11, 1944
Poilitics, United States-
President Franklin D. Roosevelt announces he will run for an unprecedented fourth term in the White House.
Eastern Front, Belorussia-
The Minsk area falls to the Red Army. The Germans have lost over 70,000 men killed and 35,000 taken prisoner, and their Fourth Army has ceased to exist.
Back in Business
Clubfoot is back:
"After some painful downtime, AussieJeff's Pale Pack #2 finally appears at DFDR.
Sorry about the wait, folks. Some much needed house-keeping is complete, however, and sailing should now be smoother.
But enough boo-hooing; go and get the second AJ Pale Pack. It weighs in at about 7 meg and goodies abound in the form of new craters/foxholes, some new Axis armor, several more terrain features, roads, walls, bunkers, and more...A big thanks to AussieJeff!
Clubfoot."
Wait for It...
Panzerman just set this on my desk:
"Here is an update on the Normandy Scenario Pack. All the scenarios are done. All that has to be done is testing and tweaking. The Pack has 14 scenarios and 2 operations.
Rob"
July 10, 1940
Air War, Britain-
The Battle of Britain begins. Hermann Goering, the Nazi air force chief, orders attacks on shipping and ports in the English Channel. The movement of Allied vessels in the Channel is soon restricted as a result of British naval and aircraft losses.
Monday, July 9, 2001
Pinup Girls in Combat Mission!
Since I got back from vacation (which was absolutely incredible thank you very much) I have been overwhelmed with work related issues. I am currently working on getting ready a nice pack of Winter Mods from Fernando that should be ready in the next day or so.
While you all wait for those I have a really nice new mod for you to spicen up your Combat Mission experience. Courtesy of Mark Peter comes a new Interface Mod with a distinct Vargas feel to it. If you are like me (a horny one track minded male) then you will get a *rise* outa this new mod. Don't worry, its strictly PG rated and very well done! Give it a shot, you will find it in the Interface Mods section.
Gunnergoz Terrain Mod Site Now Open!
Gunnergoz joins the fray:
"The notorious grass addict (in CM terms that is) Gunnergoz is now on line with his latest grass and terrain mods. A humble but heartfelt
offering, the initial posting is limited to a single terrain set of .zip files consisting of integrated grass, tree bases (summer and fall), brush, water, bocage, and marsh.
Gunnergoz is always tinkering with grass mods and has over a dozen new mods completed which await posting. Over time, these original terrains will all be posted to the site so that CM grogs will be able to alter their battlefield to suit their current taste, mood, or tactical requirements.
Hosting limits will preclude Gunnergoz from hosting other people's mods for now, but this may change over time.
Gunnergoz welcomes feedback, constructive criticism, suggestions, special requests, and bundles of cash in large denominations. (The latter, especially, guarantees a prompt and enthusiastic response from Gunnergoz to your inquiries.)"
Sunday, July 8, 2001
July 9, 1943
Mediterranean, Sicily-
Chaotic US and British airborne landings begin the attack on Sicily. Prepatory bomber attacks have already hit air bases in Sicily, Sardinia, and the mainland. Mussolini expects the Allied attack to be against Sardinia. The main strategic objectives are to clear the Mediterranean sea-lanes, divert Axis forces from the Eastern Front, and possibly apply pressure on Italy to accelerate its capitulation.
So Many Choices
More from Manx:
"Another mixed bag of high-quality goodies for you in our weekend update. Take a look at this lot :
MODS
1.) - SdKfz 7/1, 7/2 Flak Wagons, by Marcus Bloess
2.) - "Narrow Lines" Interface Mod, by Marcus Bloess
OPERATIONS
1.) - "Counterattack At Sarrebourg", by Hector Guerrero
SCENARIOS
1.) - "A Rock In The Flood", by Wild Bill Wilder
2.) - "A Crack In The Line", by Ethan W. Logue
3.) - "Assault On The Seine", by Ethan W. Logue
BOOT CAMP
"Incoming! Defensive Setups And Tactics" -- The 6th, and IMO, the BEST Boot Camp article Gremlin has written to date. "Incoming!" focuses on some of the tactical issues that you, as a CMBO Commander, should consider when ordered by your superiors to defend a piece of ground and fight to the death.
Thanks to all the above for their contributions to the CM Community!
Manx"
July 8, 1944
Politics, Hungary-
With the Red Army fast approaching, Hungary's leader, Admiral Miklos Horthy, orders a halt to the deportation of Hungarian Jews to Auschwitz concentration camp.
Saturday, July 7, 2001
There's a First Time for Everything
Spike won't leave me alone: ;-)
"Just released my first scenario. It is my first attempt at map-making and putting a scenario together! I think it is okay. Not as good as Wild Bill or Rune by any means!!! Please swing by the site and check it out!!! It is called Battle for Amstenrade. Hope you like it and let me know what you think. Play as Germans first.
Thanks a lot!!
Spike...Out!"
The Good, the Bad, and the Other Good (Not as Good as the First Good, but Still Good)
This just in:
"Hello everyone...
Come to the Archive and get the super new Operation by Hector Guerrero entitled "Counterattack at Sarrebourg." It is FANTASTIC!!! Also happy to report that I finally have been able to post all the listed scenarios under the letters "B" and "C." Stop by and download the ones you're missing!!!
Also, stop by the Playtesters Page and download the scenarios there. Make sure to give the authors some feedback too. This will be the last week that the playtesters page will be available! Since I have stared that service, not one feedback email that i am aware of has reached the authors...So I guess this will give everyone a week to see if the playtesters page is something you would like to have stick around!
Check back to the site often...Updates are done often!!! Thanks a lot!
SPIKE...OUT!"
When Harry Met Shogun
BlackIce/Holst just woke me from a sound sleep and handed this announcement to me:
"The Campaign is going to start soon! Harry will take command on the German side. His opponent is his arch enemy Shogun! Which side will prevail?
New vote is online on the topic: What do you expect from CM 2?
__________________________________________
In kürze wird die Campaign losgehen! Harry wird auf deutescher Seite das Komando übernehmen. Sein Gegenspieler ist sein Erzfeind Shogun! Welche Seite wird siegen?
Ein neuer Vote ist online! Heute unter dem Motto: Was erwaret Ihr von CM 2?"
Friday, July 6, 2001
July 7, 1941
Sea War, Iceland-
US troops garrison the country to protect shipping from U-boat attacks.
Two More
Moon keeps working hard:
"Two new scenarios for you folks, today: The Kall Trail, inspired by my visit to the area in May this year, shows the bloody fighting in the Huertgenforest in November 1944, as the US tried to squeeze an armored regiment and several infantry divisions through the heavily forested and hilly area. COUNTERATTACK AT SARREBOURG is a historical operation by Hector Guerrero, depicting a vicious counterattack by Panzerlehr in late November 44. Grab them in the BATTLES section."
Thursday, July 5, 2001
July 6, 1943
Eastern Front, Ukraine-
Soviet intelligence has uncovered the plans for the offensive by 900,000 German troops against Kursk. The Germans believe that a victory on the Eastern Front will bolster domestic morale and preserve the Axis coalition, while also demonstrating to the Allies that the Nazis can still achieve victory.
From March to July, they gather 900,000 troops but the Red Army succeeds in establishing numerical superiority in men (1.3 million) and equipment. Consequently, German units are exposed to aerial and land bombardment while the Red Army prepares for the attack.
The German Army Group Center's Ninth Army, south of Orel, and Field Marshal Erich von Manstain's Fourth Panzer Army, north of Kharkov, open Operation Citadel with an offensive against the salient. The Ninth Army under Field Marshal Gunther von Kluge only penetrates six miles (9 km) and loses 250,000 men. Over 6000 German and Soviet tanks and assault guns take part in the war's greatest armor battle. Special attention is given by the Soviets to antitank guns and obstacles. The Germans deploy 200 aircraft for the operation and the Soviets 2400.
Up Close and Personal
From the Moon:
"1:20000 scale maps for Luxembourg have been added to the Battlemaps section. At 1:20000 they're even more detailed than maps for the other countries AND the scale nicely coincides with CM's 20m per tile "scale", so it's easy to convert the maps into battlefields. Grab 'em while they're hot! :-)"
The Mother Lode!
Hot off Manx's press:
"We have loads of great stuff in today's mega-update -- including a brand new Interface Mod for CMBO, superb AFV Mods from Matthew Peterson and Daedalus the Flyer, and a complete set of Axis Uniforms from Andrew Fox, as well as his latest Volkssturm mod.
What about scenarios I hear you ask -- well, how about two new ones from Terence Nelan; one each from the masters -- Franko and Wild BIll Wilder; and finally a great looking Map by Brian "Mord" Hann for you to design your own scenarios on.
Here's the complete run-down of what there is:
MODS
1.) - "Tank Girl" : Complete Interface Conversion for CMBO, by Mark Peter
2.) - Commonwealth Sexton SP Artillery Gun, by Matthew Peterson
3.) - "Actionpack Vol. 1" : Axis Uniforms Pack, by Andrew Fox
4.) - Winter Chaffee, by Daedalus the Flyer
5.) - Volkssturm Uniform, by Andrew Fox
SCENARIOS
1.) - "That Ain't American", by Frank M. Radoslovich
2.) - "Philippsbourg" (BETA), by Wild Bill Wilder
3.) - "String And Bailing Wire", by Terence Nelan
4.) - "Slam The Back Door", by Terence Nelan
5.) - "Rugged Country Map" (MAP ONLY), by Brian "Mord" Hann
You've never had it so good!
Manx - OUT!"
Wednesday, July 4, 2001
Another Convert!
More from Mr. Dorosh:
"A new scenario at TOMMY; a conversion of a miniatures scenario by David Hagger, depicting a British attack on a mixed group of SS and Army troops in Normandy."
July 5, 1943
Politics, Poland-
General Wadyslaw Raczkiewicz, prime minister of the Polish government-in-exile, is killed in an air crash. His deputy, Stanislaw Mikolajczyk, replaces him.
Tuesday, July 3, 2001
July 4, 1941
Politics, Yugoslavia-
Joseph Broz, known as "Tito," emerges as the leader of the Yugoslavian resistance movement, although the government-in-exile does not support him. Tito, a communist, has popular support and proposes a Yugoslavian federation that overrides ethnic and national differences.
Almost There
Rob is keeping his team working hard:
"Well the Normandy scenario Pack is almost done. Just a few more battles and it will be ready. All that I have to do now is to get the last little bits of historical numbers and these battles will be ready. A second operation has been added to the pack as well. Also there is one scenario in the pack which dose not take place in Normandy so its a little off but that's OK. Also when the pack comes out I would suggest when playing these battles and operations to use the Normandy mod.
Also after the Normandy scenario Pack is done I will start working on requested battles. The first ones will be battles after the breakout from Normandy. Later I will start working on what I will call "The Last Days of the 3rd Reich" scenario Pack. There will be more scenarios in this pack than the Normandy one. Most likely 15 or around that and a few operations.
Rob "Panzerman" Disney"
The Search Begins
Spike just keeps on bringin' it:
"I have had many requests for a search page to search the archives for specific scenarios. After looking all over the net for such a device I found that you must have a CGI-BIN directory on the server. I do not have that because I use Geocities. I do have plans to eventually get my own domain.
Well, I was finally able to track down a search program that did not require a CGI-BIN!! So I put it on the site. It is not the best engine in the world but it is better than having none at all. Please let me know what you think of it!!
Spike...Out!"
Mad Mod Midweek
Another update just cam in from Tom:
"Andrew Fox´s brand new Volkssturm Uniform Mod is now included in the complete "Super Action Pack Vol.1 - German Uniforms." Those who have already downloaded the set will be glad to hear that they can get the new uniforms (640 kb) also in a separate file (together with the missing side jacket bmp for the Feldgrau uniforms). The new stuff can be found on the TCMHQ "Uniforms & Faces" mod pages."
Something Old and Something New
Mensch just sent over this update:
"We've got some minor updates to "Der Kessel."
One, we have gone French! Well not realy, but we now have PawBroon as a new member of Der Kessel.
New battles:
Dornot Bridgehead [by Yankee]
Bootprints [by Warmeister]
And here are last month's updates for those who missed them.
Battles:
Old Mill Polka - PBEM only [by Warmeister]
To The Last Man [by Germanboy]
Fatherland [by mensch]
all these [by Berlichtingen]
- Le Camp Crossroads
- Village les Moulins
- Blood On The Vines
- Holiday In The Country
- Liberation of Hyéres
- Sollies-Ville
- Charge To Glory
- Road To Toulon
- Toulon Nightlife
- Liberation of Toulon
Mods:
Panther A, March 1944 Italy [by "Audace"]
Tiger tank in mottled green-ochre over khaki (High Res) [by JohnS "Tiger"]
Almost all of The DesertFox's mods backed up on Der Kessel from his semi-stable website.
With the latest new Renovations of Der Kessel, users will find it easier to find Historical and Semi-Historical Battles, Mods, and (soon) Maps. Our map section is currently undergoing some redesign as well since Der Kessel will be producing actual maps of Germany for Designers to use in their creations.
For upcoming Scenarios, Berli is working on three new ones; one of the Mega huge city of "Maastricht" and a combo Battle and Operation of the same scenario called "A Long and Bloody Mile." Each are of Canucks advancing in Bocage country near Caen.
Monday, July 2, 2001
July 3, 1941
Africa, Ethiopia-
Italian resistance ends in the south after 7000 men surrender.
Sunday, July 1, 2001
July 2, 1944
Italy, Tuscany-
The British XIII Corps takes the town of Foiano, northwest of Lake Trasimeno, thereby completing the breakthrough of the German Albert Line.
Turning a Page
Another one from Mike:
"Also an update to TOMMY; a new page on the Jewish Brigade has been added, with info thanks to Moeshe Malyevshevsky and Forever Babra, as well as a uniform sleeve mod for this unique formation. If anyone has any actual historical scenarios based on this Brigade, or the Palestine Regiment, I would love to see them!"
The Madness Continues!
Tom's personal "Mad Mod Weekend" continues:
"TCMHQ announces the release of Andrew Fox´s "Super Action Pack Vol.1-German Uniforms"-a full set of new photorealistic (!) Hi-Res uniforms for the German Fallschirmjaegers, the Wehrmacht, the Gebirgsjaegers and the Waffen SS units. Authentic cammo combat dresses, great "Feldgrau" uniforms, and several alternative trousers & helmets to choose from. Your "Krauts" never looked better......
Download the new uniforms (4 MB) from the "Faces & Uniforms" mod pages."