Advanced Squad Leader AAR – A Real Barn Burner (J183)

AAR by: Neal Ulen & Scott Rowland

Advanced Squad Leader AAR – A Real Barn Burner (J183)

Here’s the historical situation:

Attacker: French (35ème Regiment d’Infanterie, 14ème Division d’Infanterie)
Defender: German (Infanterie-Regiment 184, Infanterie-Division 86)

In contrast to their comrades to the west, the French Aisne River front held firm against the German attacks in May. The 14éme division d’infanterie, one of the best French units, manned the front bear Rethel. On 30 May, a reconnaissance in force was launched by its 35th Regiment toward the village of Amagne held by the Germans. This attack was successful in pushing back the Germans, and afterwards the French retired to their starting positions south of the Aisne River except for a platoon commanded by Lieutenant Gehin, which remained concealed in an isolated farm. The goal was to lure the Germans into thinking the area was empty of French troops and catch them off-guard in an ambush. The plan worked well initially but the German were soon launching an attack on the farm with two infantry companies, supported by a light AT gun. The barn caught fire, and the fight lasted all night. The morning of 31 May found the encircled platoon still stubbornly repulsing German attacks. At noon, the French launched an attack by 3éme Compagnie to try to rescue the last elements of Gehin’s platoon.

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